Are you a nosy neighbor?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Devonai

Devonai

Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2003
Messages
4,026
Location
Connecticut
Subject: Public safety

I am a nosy neighbor. I notice when things are happening in my neighborhood. I call the police when things get too rowdy. I do not, however, bother anybody who is not bothering me.

I work as a pursuit vehicle driver for a private investigation company. As such, I often wait on side streets while my partner observes and records. If a vehicle leaves that we want to track, I take the lead. Simple enough. Last week we were on a surveillance, and I set myself up on a side street in a quiet suburban neighborhood. I rolled down the windows and prepared to relax, as we could be there for a while. I had parked almost in front of a house where a man was working in the garage. Within 30 seconds he came over and this conversation ensued:

"Can I help you with something?"
"No. I'm just looking for a place to sit and relax."
"Why here?"
"Why not?"
"Because most people in this road are at not at home right now."
"Then I won't be bothering anyone, will I?"
"Yes you would."

With that he returned inside. Five minutes later a local cop showed up. Since I wasn't doing anything wrong it was a short conversation and the officer left. I didn't have to reveal my true motives to the officer but I did so as a professional courtesy.

Did this guy overreact? Would anyone else have done the same?
 
It would not take me long to stare, rudely. If that hint doesn't work, I'd NOTICEABLY check the license plate. Finally, I'd ask if you were lost. And if you fed me the same lines as you posted above, you would find yourself in conversation with a gendarme.

Sorry--I live on a street which carries perhaps 10 cars/day, max. Strangers are not frequent.
 
I used to do the same thing as a PI and in the middle class neighborhoods I was often 'pestered' by homeowners ;) .

Poor neighborhoods were never a problem and neither were the rich, gated communities usually.

Its just part of the job and I never worried about it. I now chase people outta my turf all the time, but I don't think any of 'em are PIs.

:)
 
You bet I would. Probably request that the police let me know there findings on you. But then again my house has been broken into before. Every since then I notice every person walking down the street, cars doing odd things...etc...
 
I would have done the same thing the neighbor did.

The last time I remember someone sitting in their car like that was when an ex-coworker was stalking my boss. :uhoh:
 
I think it might have more to do with the neighbor "hood" you are in.

On my "stakeouts" I am often offered sex, drugs or accused of being a cop.

However, if you did that on my street I would have called too. If you looked "official" with a newer full size granny car and looked "clean cut" I would let you slide for a while, then call.
 
Sorry but ...... you would certainly be noticed quickly and then watched. Unlikely here in fact as all cars park off road ... the roadway itself is too narrow for anyone to park up.

In principle tho I would always be suspicious I'm afraid ....... too old to be very trusting and, I carry a full paid up ''cynic'' licence!:p :p
 
Would anyone else have done the same?

Yes. I don't consider that being a nosy neighbor, I consider it being a good neighbor.
 
So, I notice someone in my neighborhood whom I haven't seen before, sitting in a car at an odd hour, who looks like he's watching for someone?

I'm going to write down his plate number and call the law with that plus a description of you and your vehicle. For all I know, you're a violent ex with a restraining order, waiting for your former lady friend to come home.

If you *are* up to no good, a visit from the local LEO's is can derail whatever it is you're planning to do. If you're a good guy, they'll talk to you briefly and leave.

I speak from experience, since I once got "pulled over" in front of my parents' house as a teenager. I'd gotten home from work late, about 1 a.m. , and was sitting in the car listening to the radio before going inside. A cop rolled by, got to wondering about me, then turned around and lit me up. He talked to me briefly, checked my ID, found out that I lived there, said goodnight and was on his way. No harm, no foul, and looking back I'm glad he was there noticing things out of the ordinary.
 
Yes I would wonder about your presence and probably find out what your purpose was. I would also hope that my nieghbors would do the same. I am conastantly watching th windows.

kevin
 
Yep, non-emergency call to police would be the right choice.

I gather you don't think that behavior, stranger sitting in strange car, would seem really odd to a local homeowner?
 
Your points are well taken. I this case, however, it was 1 o'clock in the afternoon and I'd literally stopped for no more than thirty seconds. Do me a favor gentlemen, could I at least get a full minute in your neigborhoods?
 
It depends on the neighborhood. In mine there is only one house where the people routinely park on the street the rest of us are in our driveways. 1 o'clock in the afternoon? Seeing as how most home breakins occur during the day that would attract my attention even faster. If you are there under a minute would I approach or call the PD? No but I would very seriously take note of you. Might even drive around you to get a plate number and a description. Sorry after my house was broken in to I have become very watchfull.
 
When we anticipate being in town for more than a few minutes, we'll give a log sheet to the police department. That way if (and usually when) somebody calls them on us, the police can assuage their concerns. During the original incident I posted we were doing a spot check, so no log sheet was given. Still the officer that showed up was very polite and barely batted an eyelash when I showed her my ID.

Since then, I had another run-in with a local resident. She had already called the police on me before she came over to my car. She said she didn't want any private investigators in her neighborhood and told (not asked) me to leave. I was polite and told her that I couldn't get a better position than the one I was already in, and that the least I could do is move in front of another house nearby. She would have none of it, demanding that I leave. I told her that she was going beyond her rights; this was a public street and I was parked legally. Still remaining polite I told her that since I was breaking no laws, please leave me alone and let me concentrate on my work. She gave me a choice invective and finally gave up.

I do shave and dress in a presentable fashion, but I can't afford a Crown Vic just yet.:)
 
Wow, you must look like some shady character :) Seriously though, 30 seconds? That is a bit short. I'd get curious after 60 and only call after a bunch of minutes.
 
I would not call the police, but would note the time, take down pertinent info on the vehicle, including plate numbers and physical info on the driver. May even get camara and take a hidden photograph. My house has the public 'Neighborhood Watch' sign in its front yard.

True story:

Wife and I were doing some geneaology work in Maine 10 years ago. Stopped at a store to ask for directions to a person's store whom we wanted to talk too. The person pointed down the road - about 400 yards. We drive there and the person in question is outside of store - awaiting our arrival. Now, that's what I call a neighbourhood watch.
 
Devonai....

I reckon I will echo the sentiments of my fellow THR'ers. Out here in the sticks, we're particularly sensitive to "furrin" tags - out of county or out of state, but we'll take note of any stranger just sittin' in a car.

I would have done the same thing - I might have given you a little more time, but you'd have seen me watchin'. :scrutiny:
 
I have come to think that I want to replace the ''Nosy'' in the subject line with ''Vigilant'' or ''watchful'' ... same things really.

Nosy suggests snooping .... I prefer to think I am just aware of things around as against ''prying'' into lives of others. Normal alertness if you like ... watchful for the less than usual.
 
Years ago I had a nosy neighbor that used to watch through her curtains at me in my yard, waiting for me to do something she didn't like, and then calling the cops or zoning. Shortly afterwards I became a PO, and I never heard from her again. I hated the old bag. But strangers sitting in a car for no apparent reason - yeah, I'd have given you a few more minutes, but I'd be on the phone also.
 
Last edited:
Not that it matters, but you can sit in front of my house until you get bed sores. I wouldn't care, much less call the police. As you say, you are legally parked on a public street. I have done it myself. I have gone to someone's home, they were out, I decided to wait a few minutes to see if they were going to come back before I drove all the way back home. Along the same line, I have gone to people's homes and had them call me enroute to say they were running late. I just sat and waiting on them. I have pulled over to look at a map. I have pulled over to do any number of things. Quite honestly, it as long as I am just sitting in my car, it isnt' anyone's business what I am doing. I understand being cautious and I don't fault those that disagree with me, but I wouldn't call anyone.

I have two neighbors and don't know either of their names.
 
Your car & license numbers would already be on tape, courtesy of my X-10 cameras & VCR. But after about 2 minutes I would be walking around the side of my home, and VERY obviously taking down your plates & description. After 5 minutes, call WILL be placed to the local PD.

Have been broken into before, but not in current home. Although 1 punky boy was stealing mail, and another sprayed some of my landscaping with "Round-Up" both busted by my X-10 setup.

I don't know all of the cars, but I have a pretty good idea of what belongs on my street and what doesn't. If it doesn't belong, it WILL be questioned.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

mljdeckard
  • Locked
Example of how NOT to protect your neighborhood
2 3 4 5
Replies
102
Views
8K
Fred Fuller
F
Z
  • Locked
A Good Self Defense Plan Must Have Layers
Replies
8
Views
831
ZeSpectre
Z
Erik M
  • Locked
belligerent neighbor, police intervention
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
Yelovitz_503
Y
T
  • Locked
Neighbor update ...
2 3 4
Replies
95
Views
6K
Vic303
V
J
  • Locked
I don’t think this one is going to turn out well
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
herrwalther
H
Back
Top