My neighbors' kids keep walking through my yard as shortcut. I was raised that this was rude; but worse yet, they drop trash and break tree limbs. I've tried asking them to please not walk through my yard for the past year, with no result other than getting cussed out by a rude little 17 year old girl. Their parents have been totally unhelpful. Anyone have any suggestions, or am I just stuck trying to patch up my trees and picking up their garbage? I live in a subdivision with a homeowner's association. Should I contact them, or just buy a large airhorn and blast them everytime they walk through?
2007-01-12 08:42:02 · 15 answers · asked by Chase P 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Absolutely report every incident with the board. Also keep a journal of every incident - date, time, damages, descriptions.
If these kids live in the subdivision, try to find out which is their home and have the board address it with their family. Enough written complains, specially for damages, can eventually lead to eviction.
Unfortunately, you if they don't live near you, you've got problems. I live in Ontario, and you can not set any 'traps', it's against the law. I know this because we had problems with kids damaging and stealing Christmas decorations from our lawn. My husband put up our computer camera with a motion censor, spied on them (took time off work). The police said that he can use 'reasonable force' to make a citizens arrest. What finally worked was my suggestion - take away anything that they can wreck. So no Christmas decorations in 2006 sucked, but we weren't bothered by the brats damaging our property.
Its sad, but it shows the world these kids were raised in. I remember when I was a kid - any adult, familiar or not, spoke to me it warranted respect. We didn't walk on peoples lawns, damaged goods - it was a very different time.
2007-01-13 02:44:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents live in a townhouse community managed by a home association. HOA can be a pain..., kind of like big brother...but they can be beneficial in a situation like this. I would definately contact the HOA. If they have the power to make a homeowner paint their house a certain color or make expernsive home upgrades, I'm sure they can handle some rude children. One of the positive things about a HOA is that they are supposed to keep out unsavory individuals in their neighborhood. You do not pay hefty HOA fees to put up with things like this. You are not living in the projects. Tell those parents of the kids to go live in the ghetto where that behavior is acceptable and encouraged. Maybe they will fit right in.
2007-01-12 13:58:07 · answer #2 · answered by Angrygirl5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you collect all the garbage and broken tree limbs and deliver them to your neighbours, telling them the problem. A few choice deposits on their front step might help.
Homeowners association is definitely going to need to hear about this. Make it public. I'll bet you're not the only one.
How about a dog-party in your back yard with just-too-long leashes when they pass by? Let the dogs jump up on the kids with muddy paws and slobber on them.
2007-01-12 11:43:38 · answer #3 · answered by heathen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a rottweiler :) Seriously! If he doesn't scare them, his messes might.
You could also post no trespassing signs. If they still do it after being warned, I believe it's a legal violation then. You can contact the PD.
I'm sure you've considered a fence, but I know that is not always possible, for whatever reasons. And by all means, don't be shy about contacting your POA. Other members might have similar experiences and would help you vote in an ordinance.
2007-01-12 11:05:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you are feeling. I have had that problem in my community-only with adults cutting through to go to the communicate dock. When I asked that they please walk around my front yard I got a snotty answer from one old geezer. But that has since ended due to the association telling them to stop cutting through.
But once again, I digress. Have you considered "having to water your lawn" at the time they are cutting through. Watch for them and turn on the sprinkler. Then "apologize" saying how you didn't see them there! As for the girl who cussed you out, you may want to mention what happened to her parents, but don't go in there too accusing. Just mentioned that you thought she was having a bad day, but you thought they should know.
2007-01-12 09:53:19 · answer #5 · answered by Nancy W 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine had similar troubles. He finally put climbing rose bushes on a low fence around his yard. They are very attractive plants with lots of big thorns. Didn't take the kids long at all to figure out that roses hurt. Cactus would work too. Blackberry bushes are pretty effective too but they tend to attract other wild animals.
2007-01-12 08:52:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't mind so much them walking through my yard as a short-cut, but the trash, tree limbs and such are inexcusable! Set bear traps!
Seriously, I would get the homeowners' assn. involved. Make them earn the dues you're paying them!
Does your homeowners' assn. allow fences? If so, get one and keep your gates locked to keep the brats out!
2007-01-12 08:51:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No you gotta be sneaky. They will get you back when you aren't around. Use your mind and think of what "tricky dick" would have done in this situation. Myself, i just put up a first class fence with a ranch electric wire aroundthe top and nobody messed with it ever. trouble is the house burned down and i wasn't home and the ins. guys claim it was arson and the neighbors just laugh.
2007-01-12 08:48:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both! He he he! The HOA should protect you against these acts. If they don't- find a way to get yourself on the board- then take care of it yourself! There's a way around everything! And yes, get an air horn :-)
2007-01-12 08:50:09 · answer #9 · answered by Honesty given here! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it up first with the homeowner's association, and if you can't find any relief through them, the city council. Best of luck!
2007-01-12 09:52:42 · answer #10 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋