How to deal with teenagers vandalizing my property?

Question

There are about 4 problem teenagers living in my neighborhood who are always starting trouble. Two days ago I discovered graffiti on my fence, and I know it's one of those guys because a family member got into a confrontation with one of them the other day for trasspassing our property, and I think it was their way of trying to get back at them. I few minutes ago I heard a large hitting noise, and it sounded like a window being hit with a heavy force. When I looked out the window I saw those 4 guys walking away. I didn't want to come out to confront them by myself because they're reckless enough to get violent. I'm not sure what to do. I have a bad feeling that they may continue to pull pranks and vandalize my property. If I call the cops I can't prove anything, because whenever they do do something, they are gone within a matter of seconds, so by the time I'd call the cops and they'd come here, they'd all be gone.

Also, even if the cops came in time to catch them, I don't have any proof that it was them who vandalized my property, they could always say they know nothing and were just hanging around the neighborhood since they live here. What can I do about this?

How much would it cost to buy a security camera? Is it able to view night scenes? Because when those guys sprayed graffity all over my fence, it happened at night, and I only discovered it in the morning. Also, if they see the camera, wouldn't they just become more sly in their actions? What if they try to break it by throwing something at it, or by covering it before they're about to do something?

Also, someone mentioned asking the police to patrol around my area...that sounds good, but how can I convince them to do that, and what if the day they patrol nothing happens?

Answer 1

BMAC is correct...they need a paper trail..and if they get enough complaints on them, they can go by "circumstantial evidence."

Answer 2

The first thing you do is call the police and make a report of your vandalism. You can tell them that you have a good idea who it is, but that you have no proof. You give the police the information and let THEM handle it. There may be other complaints about these kids and the police need everyone effected by this vandalism to make a report so they can get them.

Answer 3

You should go down to the police station and file a complaint for trespassing. On the matter of proving it's them, if they leave anything behind, you should get it. When grabbing it, don't grab it with your bare hands. Use something that wouldn't smudge their finger prints. Do this only if you know it is them. So when you call the police, you can give them the evidence. Your first step should be to file a complaint.

Answer 4

I agree with the camera but also ask the police if they can patrol your area more for awhile. Tell them why.

Answer 5

Snatch their @$$es in a bear trap!

If you are the non-violent type, I suggest hiring someone else to do your bidding. Maybe offer two of the kids weed to beat up the other 2 kids, and turn them against each other.

Answer 6

get a camera system and then you have proof to give to the police

Answer 7

I have tried most of the above, have called the police, spoke to their parents and was told to F*%K off
(I guess they had to get it from somewhere). All it did was cause the little creeps to escalate their activity. I am going to have to move, which breaks my heart, I love my home. :(

Answer 8

Get a video camera. That's what I did. It works.

Answer 9

buy an outdoor security camera and place it, then let them do their thing and you'll have plenty of proof to take to court.