I have spoke with their parents and it continues to happen. I live on the highest hill in our neighboorhood and have a very dangerous driveway. They skateboard and ride there bike down my driveway and have even skateboarded on my front deck. Today I caught 3 young boys stomping on our brick retaining wall and kicking the lights down around them. The boys range from age 4 to 8. They ran away and hide in my yard when I went to talk to them and ran away when I went to find them behind a tree. I knocked on the parents door and nobody answered the door. I don't want to call the police and become the neighboorhood witch. What can I do?
2007-01-14 12:49:21 · 25 answers · asked by Sandra G 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Lay land mines. lol
2007-01-14 12:53:01 · answer #1 · answered by jaybear_us 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The first thing you need to do is post signs.... no trespassing... and especially a sign that will say that you are not responsible for accidents occurring on your property... they sell those wonderful "no skateboarding, bicycles... etc." signs relatively cheap... Then, you might want to tactfully write a letter to the parents of the children and keep a copy for your files.... just in case. When you have done all you can to keep them legally notified (i.e. signs and a letter outlining your concerns and request), you may have to make a call to the police... not to "get them in trouble..." just ask them if they will do an occasional drive-by and if they see anything, to ask the kids not to play in such a dangerous area.
You have a right, as a property owner, to protect yourself from liability lawsuits... and that seems to be what this is headed for unless you properly place notifications where they can be read!
Good luck... remember... you don't have to call the police to report a crime... they are there to help you solve a problem before it becomes a crisis.
2007-01-14 20:58:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't say a thing..Just make sure they are on your property when you protect your property by putting a sign up saying STAY OFF THE PROPERTY OR PRIVATE PROPERTY whatever way you want o say it.Then if those boys keep coming on your property you have a right to say something(if you can put a fence up.Some people hate having to do that but the kids in the neighborhood are so disrespectful that is all they can do.Now if they climb the fen ch it's on them and the parents.Tell the parents again this time write a certified letter to them and keep a copy.If it continues tell them you will see them in court because of the damages..Sorry but you have to be firm with some folks.
2007-01-14 21:09:50 · answer #3 · answered by gblue52 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why in the world are 4 year olds out without parental supervision?If the parents won't do anything about it,I would call the police.You need to protect yourself because you know those irresponsible parents will be the first to sue if one of their "angels" gets hurt on your property.
2007-01-15 01:14:22 · answer #4 · answered by mizzjerry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would write a formal letter stating your concern and why you feel the way you do. Ask for cooperation. If something is to happen to the children on your property, at least you have it is writing and your bases are covered. Also, state that as a last resort you are willing to report to authorities. No hate in the letter, be formal about it.
2007-01-14 20:56:31 · answer #5 · answered by Smarty Pants 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the police, Take a video. Hire a lawyer to write the parents a letter.
2007-01-14 20:54:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Call the police. It's your only option. If one of those kids gets hurt on your property, you KNOW the parents are going to blame you, no matter what. You need to establish an official record that you have tried to prevent an accident.
2007-01-14 20:52:17 · answer #7 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trespassing is trespassing especially on private property. The
first step would be call and reporting everything to the police then
go from there. Either that or have a parent sue because you didn't
watch them. Take your pick.
2007-01-14 22:08:33 · answer #8 · answered by Williamstown 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
land mines. joking. go to the parents and ask them to sign a waiver freeing you from any responsibility if the kids geyt hurt. include a clause saying the parents will be responsible for any and all damages the kids do. have a witness with you. i doubt they will sign but they may talk to their kids.
edit. the video is a good idea. cops should be a last resort when dealing with neighbors
2007-01-14 20:56:21 · answer #9 · answered by kissmy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the parents to small claims court for the damages and get restraining orders against the entire family. The next time they do it they can be taken to Juvenile jail
2007-01-14 20:59:37 · answer #10 · answered by Gettin_by 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the police.... report the parents to Child Protective Services (or what ever it's called in your state.
2007-01-14 21:12:49 · answer #11 · answered by lordkelvin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋