Reply #8: Here's what I'd do....

[Obamarama]

First, make the attempt to be a good neighbor. Go over, explain to your neighbor what happened, assure him you understand it wasn't his fault, but the fault of the company he hired, and that you're not upset with him.

Explain to him what you explained to us here. Tell him you were advised to call the police to register a complaint in order for the construction company to do the proper survey for utility & cable lines.

Tell him you didn't want to just call the police without consulting him. Ask him if he could alert his construction comapny to the problem, ask him to ask them to do the proper survey so your lawn and phone cables won't be compromised again.

This does three things...it puts the power/choice in his hands, it keeps his construction company from getting in legal trouble (and that would get back to your neighbor, which wouldn't help neighborly relations), and it alleviates his perception of you as a fly in the ointment.

If he refuses, than I'd go ahead and call the men in blue.

Good luck.