Not sure how to deal with a neighborhood situation. Advice appreciated.

[Grizfire]

Its too bad the cops aren't more pressing. Why doesn't the sheriff go talk to the parents? You have evidence, a complaint, etc. why doesn't the sheriff go put an end to this all. Can't you sign a citation?

I had some young punks who would always park in the parking lot of my apartment complex and deal drugs. Drove me nuts, they were in and out all day. Well one day, my gf and I were out for jog, and the young punk swerved at us and revved is engine. So we called the cops. The cop came to our apartment and asked us what was going on. We gave him the license plate number and told him that we were being terrorized. The cop immediately went to the kids parents house and sat the whole family down for a good lecture. He told them to knock this crap off or they'd be getting a ticket (signed by me).

The next time I saw the young punk, he slowed down and waved politely.
No more dealings in our driveway either. life is now good.

 

[johndoe1027]

Markbo, That's my attitude now that I have that video... Funny thing is, NO sign of either of them since....

I spent a night away from home trying to help smooth over a loss in the family and I caught myself being worried that I'd find something had gone wrong when I returned home. Everything just as it should be, just like home.

We'll see what happens once my friendly deputy clocks back in too.

 

[bcp]

A grassy, mowed area just invites that sort of vandalism. Make it less inviting.
----------------------

Rock garden

Cactus garden

Ornamental bushes with big stickers

Ditches to drain the "low spots"

Bunch of political signs

Big rock or loose concrete block planting border
--------------
Post a photo for us to see what this area looks like.

Bruce

 

[Robert Hairless]

He goes on the explain "right of ways" to me and how he isn't riding in my yard, the state owns 2' from the edge of the road and if I don't stop messing with him... his dad and grandfather are cops and "I don't want to go there".

Oh, and he also threatened to sue me for harassment... I can video anything I want from my own yard aside from peeping tom kinds of stuff right?

You're not me (for which you should be grateful), but if I were in your situation I would actively encourage that young man to stand up for his rights. It's the American way and, besides, it's an opportunity for some good clean fun.

First, I would mightily enjoy seeing him explain to the court that he is the state and therefore is the exclusive beneficiary of the state's right of way. Then I'd like to hear his ideas on the nature and purpose of the state's right of way--more so than you, for example. Unfortunately, I wouldn't get the opportunity to see that or any other part of his claim because even a dullard magistrate would bounce him out on his head for wasting everyone's time. And then, just for kicks, I'd sue him in civil court for abuse of process. If he wants to play, he has to pay.

Second, I'd enjoy seeing him explain to the court how he has any expectation of privacy when he goes out in public. By the way, if he thinks you're harrassing him by videotaping his appearances near your home, he can avoid it by not appearing on the public highway near your home. He is now on notice that you will videotape him whenever he appears nears your home, so it's obvious that he must want you to do it. Perhaps he wants to appear on America's Stupidest Young Vandals or some other reality TV show.

Third, I doubt whether Dad and/or Grandad would want to put their careers on the line for the sake of enabling their idiot progeny in his idiotic endeavors, but if they were indeed the source of the genetic flaw they transmitted to him, they might as well share the fun. I'd be interested to see their tax returns for the preceding three years so as to see what share of the state's budget they contributed. I'd also want to see proof of ownership of the young lad's vehicle so I could claim against it. I don't know what the judge would decide on that issue but he might enjoy seeing the claim.

When confronted by pinheads it's sometimes possible to see how many angels fit on the head of the pin. You might also want to get someone competent in your state law to explain whether you have a viable civil suit against the lad based on your documentation and that video tape. Doesn't cost much to file one in magistrate's court. Also worth investigating whether you can get an order of protection against him if he has made any threats of violence against you. Dad and Grandad, the cops, might have some feelings about their offspring being served.

 

[johndoe1027]

bcp, It's just a 75' x 40' rectangle of grass, yes very inviting for them. There is a speed limit sign on one end and I though about planting a pole on the other just to make it a little trickier. I do need a marker for the UPS and pizza guy... A 4" O.D. schedule 80 marker that's buried 6' deep is the only kind I know how to make though. If I were still in super remodel mode (which I'm very thankful I'm not) I would have dumped all of my lumber waste down there (only so it would be easier to haul off later of course). They used HUGE nails in 1912.

Robert, I couldn't agree more. I will certainly encourage him to exercise his rights IF I see him again. I think that's a big if since I've not seen hair one of either of them since the taping. I've been in and out all weekend but I think they might have finally wisened up. Wised up? Whatever, they got smarter.

Tomorrow and Tues. should produce a deputy in the hood for at least a little while each day (during their play time).

Oh, to the previous poster that asked... they look to be around 18, maybe 19. I think he was embellishing again about the 20 years thing. That's the only reason I haven't thrown off the gloves yet. That and I'm always carrying and I hate the idea of fighting with a 1911 strapped to my side. I'd rather stay back unless I'm only armed with the 22mag mini revolver in my pocket.


OOOO, OOOO, I just had an idea. If they were still tearing up the yard I could put out a few "water" balloons (or some other weak container) that were filled with pink paint. They would see them and not be able to resist running them over. No denying anything then. lol! I'd love to see the tough guys ride by with their new pink splatter paint jobs. Very macho indeed. That's still too risky for me to go for. Funny thought though.

 

[Tokugawa]

Please do not fight this punk, ESPECIALLY NOT IF YOU ARE ARMED!!!

This is a perfect recipe for a murder charge.
Shooting in self defense, as a last resort is one thing.
Provoking or escalating a encounter that ends in a death is going to get you put away.
And fighting is stupid anyway, people get hurt and it ain't always the "other guy".

 

[johndoe1027]

Well, that and the last place I want to be is staring down the wrong end of my own piece.

That's why there were no "fightin' words" spoken.

If I'm armed, you can bet that I'm running until I can't run any more.

 

[johndoe1027]

Well, dumb one just cost himself about $20-$50 worth of tire out in the intersection. He burned out for long enough for me to run upstairs to get the camera (dinner interrupted a pic dump ) and get back downstairs before he finally took off. I couldn't even get a pic of all of it at once it's so long. He rode by while I was taking pics and talking to a neighbor. I waved. Shouldn't have but I did. Blazer was in tow once again. He sure did take off nice and easy when I was out there with camera....

I did some more digging on the net and I have (what I'm 99% sure are) the parents names and phone number. I still am not sure about calling though and if I do, what to say. Any suggestions? The racing was a week ago at this point and this time he wasn't even right in front of the house, more off to the side of the next door neighbor.

I couldn't get the names from the tax records b/c they just bought the house last year from a church. Nosey neighbors are awesome.

Oh, and no sign of a deputy today. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[Markbo]

Takugawa... If it were you, what would you do? Your post really got me thinking that you say what not to do, but how is standing in your own yard, warning someone to not to damage it and to stop harrassing you escalating an encounter? It is not like JD1027 is going to the punks house and harrassing HIM.

Whether someone undertakes a physical altercation depends on a lot of circumstances, not the least of which is can you whip him. I had a couple of run ins with a 20 something that lives across my street. Thought my yard made a good loading dock for his 4 wheeler. I actually saw him once and went out and asked him what he thought he was doing and it got a little confrontational - by HIM. I told him I thought it would be better if he used his own yard and his response was "Well your yard is the only one high enough". Yeeeeeeah? It took a little while, but I convinced him that it would be better if he didn't do it anymore.

His family has never spoken to me since. Guess how many nights sleep I have lost of that? Correct. Not one. Anyway, I am an XL kind of guy and not a wall flower, but this kid is a tank. Obviously an athelete of some sort and I doubt very seriously I'd threaten to whip is ass.... because I am sure I would not end up looking down at him.

But anyway, I understand what you are saying... don't make matters worse and don't resort to violence - physical or firearm - except as a last resort. Wise words. But JD is not escalating anything. What is he supposed to do, hide inside and finish dinner and pretend like nothing is happening?

JD is BEING harrassed. The escalation is being done by the punk - whatever his age is. BTW it was be really, really easy for a cop to take that 4 wheeler and line it up on the 1/4 mile burnout (personally I'd love to ride a 4 wheeler with that much power... never heard of one, let alone seen one) and say with some conviction "I believe that thar 4 wheeler made them thar marks and Ifn' I sees anymore, I'ma comin' after ya'!"

It's pretty easy to figure out why the cops aren't more aggressive... it's a stupid kid on a 4wheeler, not a mugger or robber or burglar. Now if you file a criminal complaint that you are being harrassed, there is a very, very good possibility that the word "Terrorist" can be inserted and that kid is up to neck in trouble.

I am not one to advise abuse of the legal system, but 'Terrorist act' has taken on a whole new connotation and it IS being used against people who are not terrorists in the more common nomenclature. My step sons went to high school with a kid that thought it would be funny to place a burning cross in another kids yard - all white by the way - and he was sent to PRISON for committing a terrorist act. Not saying it is the same thing... but this kid is obviously terrorizing our THR compadre.

I also think that 7 or 8 pieces of rebar stuck about 4 feet underground and about 6" above would not be considered a booby trap... just laying the groundwork for a future fencing project... he has afterall undertaken a LOT of fixer-upper chores already on this property.

One other thing I remember... a good buddy of mine made enough money to move close to downtown Houston. High dollar section housing of mostly small old houses and big houses made into 4 plexes. He used to sit watching TV and if the dope dealers or hookers showed up at his 4 corners, he would go out onto his darkened upstairs patio and shoot them with an air rifle. Got threatened to have the cops called all the time. "Go ahead... call the cops!". Nobody ever did.

And not to sound overly macho or anything, but a man has got to stand up for himself. His property is being attacked and his and his loved one's safety is now in question.

Keep takin' that video JD... see if your neighbors will do it too. Maybe walk out there with a hidden video asking them 'why are you messing with him so bad'...

 

[Grizfire]

I'm confused, with all your documentation, why hasn't the sheriff issued a citation. What they are doing is illegal right? Have you checked local ordinance...disturbing the peace?

Something is not right, this has carried on for awhile, and from the sound of it, the police have done nothing. What more do they need?

I wouldn't suggest calling the parents just yet. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree ya know.

BTW, can we see a pic or two of the aftermath of these urban terrorists?

well, good luck

 

[Robert Hairless]

I waved. Shouldn't have but I did.

Right. You should not have waved: you must not do anything that is either provoking or confrontational, and you certainly must not allow yourself to be drawn into a fight while you are carrying any firearm or other weapon.

The situation you have now is nothing more than a minor annoyance that will fade from your mind once it is resolved. Don't escalate it.

I'm sorry to seem as if I'm lecturing you but what you're facing is nothing more than the same couple of jerky kids that seem to appear in most people's lives at least once and sometimes more than once. It's nothing special unless you make it so by inflaming it.

Those jerks are a nuisance to be resolved. They're not a challenge to your masculinity. The way to resolve them is methodically and dispassionately, without engaging them or allowing them to engage you. You've begun to document. Continue doing it calmly, and see if that neighbor will make a note about what he witnessed and the date and time he witnessed it.

By the way, if your neighbor saw you waving he is a witness to what could be considered provocation if the situation explodes. You don't want more of that. You want to be calm and non-reacting, and you want witnesses to your calmness.

Make a schedule of the incidents along with the dates, times, and problems they created. Then go to the sheriff's office with copies (including copies of your videos) and tell the sheriff that you are prepared to make a formal complaint but--since the kid said his dad and grandfather are cops--you would be happy to let the sheriff handle the situation informally.

 

[Halo]

It's getting to that time of year when the grass comes out of its winter dormancy and is eager for a little fertilizer. May I suggest a thorough application of manure to make your lawn nice and lush? Perhaps even better would be Milorganite, so when the young man churns through your lawn you can inform him that the "dirt" covering himself and his ATV is nothing less than Milwaukee's finest. Finest human waste, that is.

 

[foghornl]

Had a situation a few years back with one of the neighborhood "Punky Boys" taking mail out of mailboxes...never took checks, bank statements or other important things like bills, but did take ads, coupons, samples, stuff like that.

X-10 motion detectors/vid cams are your friend.

Had a chat with mom-n-dad, who of course didn't beleive "Sonny" was the miscreant...I went back a couple of days later and asked them "Would you like to view this tape BEFORE I give it to the PD and the US Postal Inspector's Office?"

End of problem.

 

[johndoe1027]

Thanks Markbo. I'm keeping the camera rolling until I get footage of the destruction of property. Then I'll call the parents to see if they'd like to resolve this without the police involved and if not, a deputy will be knocking on their door within the hour. I want to have good proof before I go that far though. If I'm going to involve the parents, I might as well be able to make something stick in court if it comes to that.

Now, I can't become the disturbing the peace police here b/c a lot of people use this intersection to test their acceleration. On the other hand, I found out yesterday that the donuts are always the same kid in a little sports car. My neighbor wants to help make this a little more of a neighborhood and a little less of a road course. I'm willing to help with that.

Here's some pics of the yard and of the burnout from yesterday. The swirleys aren't for entertainment, I wanted make my location a bit more anonymous. You can see a regular black mark in the pics for contrast to what this kid did. I'm certain it was at least 20 seconds of burning out, maybe more like 30.

Halo, beautiful suggestion. You're a genius. I'll do it if I need to. One more trip through the yard and I'll spread it on thick, "just to fix the damage". I love it.

foghorn, that's the approach I've decided on. Wait till I have tape, then ask the parents if they would like to help.

 

[Vermont]

Invite him over for a front yard BBQ some time with an apology about how you should have spoken to him first about the problem. You're treating him like a hardened criminal.

I don't mean to imply that what you are doing is wrong in any way. You have the right to keep him off your property, but I think he would have a hard time tearing up the lawn of someone who invited him over for dinner.

 

[johndoe1027]

Yes he would. First, he'd refuse to show up. Then he'd tear more crap just b/c I was trying to be nice. I don't call him "dumb one" for nothing. I tried being nice. Didn't work, just pissed them off more.

 

[Grizfire]

Looks like he's running stop signs as well. A real menace to society.

 

[buck00]

I know you are all thinking that this is a silly problem that doesn’t warrant such a long tread in S&T but I don’t know what to do since they know where I live, aren’t exactly smart guys, and are younger. Maybe 18-20. Kids get dumb ideas sometimes, especially when there is almost zero LE presence.

Yeah this is a problem. You have the right to live free from kids turfing your lawn, racing in front of your house, and harassing you. At this point you upped the ante and you created an "you vs them" sitatuation. Not to give you bad news but I'd expect more harassment, including possible vandalism.


You are filming.... taking pics and documenting things, great. I would consider getting the local gov involved (county, etc) and the local TV station. When you talk to them don't emphasize that they are turfing your lawn, emphasize they are creating a hazard for people driving on the road and for the residents (including old people and kids).

Sounds like the tide is turning for you!

 

[Markbo]

I'd hold off on the TV station unless you can't get any joy out of the police. If you cannot get them to do something, you have a great human interest story and I'd be willing to bet the local TV guys would hide out and film it themselves.

I'll be honest... I don't quite understand people telling you that you are escalating things and this is no big deal and it is somehow your fault. My side of the fence is that you have done NOTHING wrong and these punks (I won't use the words kids anymore since now I know they are not children) started vandalizing your property and have harrassed you into an altercation which you very wisely avoided.

You have taken video, you waved at them in a friendly manner (I don't get at all how that is bad) and you have told them you want it stopped. Good Lord, what if they were painting your house or stealing your dog? I'd be curious how that was your fault as well. Next time you talk to the Police, ask them (and perhaps an attorney friend) just what rights you have in your state/county/city to protect your property.

I am not saying you have the right to do anything in particular... but I know if that were happening to me I would talk to the local Constables (who have the local authority around here) and ask them 'what exactly CAN I do and not do' and I am 99% sure their response would be "Why don't you let us handle it". They would not ignore it completely.

If you have the names of the parents/uncles/whomevers it should be very easy to find out if they are among the ranks of local law inforcement and if they are, don't you agree that they will not appreciate their family making them look bad and they will do something about it themselves?

Adults talking to adults to solve problems with kids. What a concept!

 

[Wetawd]

I had some similar troubles with a neighbor hood kid tipping over my garbage at the end of my driveway, not sure why maybe he just wanted to feel like a tough bad boy?

Anyway so I called the non emergency line and asked them to talk to him because when I talked to him it didn't do any good. So I waited for 5 hours before a cop came and asked me what the trouble was, so I gave him the "low down" and he then went and talked to them and end of problem.

The cop said that because I called the non emergency line they come when they have time not right away. He also said that in the department's eyes I was as big a nuisance as the kid because it's just somebody calling to complain instead of it being property damage and vandalism.

So I learned form what he said to call the emergency line instead of the non emergency line so then it becomes something that they HAVE to deal with instead of it just being at their leisure.

Maybe u've been doing that all along idk but just thought i'd try to help.

 

[motorsport28]

^^ From the burnout photo: (separate note)

It looks like the kid needs a LSD. lol

And no it doesnt look like he ran a stop sign b/c assuming from the placement of the tread marks he has a rwd and if that was the case he didnt run the stop sign. That was his launch point. (believing you were being sarcastic)

 

[johndoe1027]

buck, I hope to put a stop to this before any vandalism happens. I'm unemployed at the moment so I have some time around the house to keep things safe. Hopefully this will blow over or be resolved before I go back to work. Which will hopefully be very soon.

Markbo, that's the thing. I only have info on dumb one. Mean one is the supposed LE offspring. I've heard from the deputy and a nosey neighbor that no cop neighbors in this town have kids that old. I think his dad may work for the county, state or DOT or something, but he's not LE.

Wetawd, I've been calling the non-emergency line and will continue to do unless it's an actual emergency. Thanks though.

And yes, he definitely needs a LSD.

 

[motorsport28]

Sorry this is all happening. Hope you get this situation taken care of.

 

[jhansman]

JohnDoe, I hope you can get this settled with adults in an adult way. In any case, please keep your 1911 out of it. If it escalates, let the law handle it, either with the LE contacts you've already made, or a lawyer. I say this because in my little rural community, two neighbors feuded for years over a patch of land owned by one and used by the other. After numerous shouting matches, sheriff's visits, etc., one neighbor loaded up his Glock, walked over and shot the others, both husband and wife. He how sits in prison, a 70-something year old man who will die behind bars. I'm not suggesting you would do such a thing, only that it can happen when tempers get beyond control. I wish you luck, both in settling this (clearly, you've done your homework) and getting back to work (I was out of work for over a year, the longest of my life!). Be well.

 

[johndoe1027]

Jared, thanks. I'll stay attentive and persistent. That's all I can do.

jhansman, do not worry. The only (and I mean only) time I will assume a firing stance (in any place other than a shooting range) is when someone is kicking down my door or someone is about to kill a loved one or myself. I promise. I carry to feel safer and take care of the "what if" thoughts of the world. I carry more for the protection of my loved ones than myself even. My mother hates that I carry when I'm out with her. I've told her that she'll have to get used to it and hopefully she will never have to thank me for it.

If someone does something terrible to me, I'll get over it. If someone does something terrible to one of my loved ones and I couldn't help, I'll never get over it. Gotta try. It's just the way I'm wired.

Now back to our scheduled programming.

And I like your sig too. I never do. That's why I ask for advice in places like this.