Intimidation by Neighbors?

Question

I live on corner lot. next door and across street are neighbors who are constantly trying to intimate me. (I like to sit on my front porch, read, talk on phone, let my dogs hang out..) they used to speak to me if they wanted something - I stopped that - confronted them - Now their really ticked. They say things like: pri--k; I'll slit her throat and then laugh. They only do this when they're together. They try VERY hard to get me to react, or go inside my house, which I don't. I never look at them, as if they're not there - So they do it even more! This has been going on and off, mainly on for 'bout 3 years! (druggers, shoot guns off, act/ talk big. AND this is in open.They don't care 'bout cops driving constantly around)
I wish I could just ignore them, but it's SO hard! I FEEL it.
This is serious! I'm not a weinee, a chicken... I know it's life! But comfort/peace in my own space.

SO HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE THIS! Serious answers

I Want To Thank All Of You For Taking The Time To Respond.
We own the home. I've tried to run prior (move) but always just around the corner is always another problem, person, situation. Since I posted this question I know no longer let them get to me. Sometimes ... My friend told me - It bothers them MORE knowing that I DON'T react. She said they will finally get over it! It's making them look like fools. And I do pray that they'll move and some NICE people will move in! They owned the house - But it is in foreclosure. He had 10 properties and more and has lost everything. So they're living there on borrowed time. I don't wish bad on them - I just wish they would move.

Answer 1

I truly feel for you.... It's sad that you cannot enjoy your home peacefully. From what you said about these people you could be in danger. Are you a renter , If so can you plan to move when your lease is up? I know it's hard to let animals "win" . The real winner will be you if you can get to have a home that you can enjoy in peace and safety... You only live once why would you want to risk your life and health staying near people who in your words have guns and don't care about POLICE???
If you own the home perhaps you may have to hang for a while.Are either of these parties renters? If so any chance you can get in touch with their landlords? If so , tell the landlord the situation. Most likely he/she will not care but I would still bring it to their attention in case you are attacked at a later time. Try video taping some of their actions ( discretely) for proof and keep a log of EVERYTHING they do to harass and intimidate you. Perhaps these bums are not paying their rent ... and will get evicted....who knows ... I can only offer that life is too short to deal with scum like this. These don't sound like the type type to improve and you will still be left with fear.
I have similar situation. I own a condo and the people above me do not work , smoke pot all day and babysit loud rowdy kids day and nite...they also flooded my condo and did $4000.00 dollars in damage. When I dared complained I was threatened and my car windows were broken out. I also have their Friends walking by and standing in front of my unit to intimidate me... I basicly have to sneak in and out of my own home .. So I understand your situation very well . My tormentors are renters and I contacted their landlord and it turns out he is NOT renewing their lease come JULY 2007! cause they don't pay their rent.I also had video taped some of their behavior and I threatened him that I would sue him if I was harmed in anyway ! I was ready to sell and go though if I saw no way that this would get better.They know I videotape so they are very careful with me now but still stare me down and pace in front of my unit and near my car .
In closing be careful and really think about what you are willing to to do to get your peace. Be safe .

Answer 2

I also think you should move because you don't want to be in this neighborhood and have these neighbors take it to the next step. I think they'll make the smallest thing into a big deal just to take it further. I know that you're not a weinee or a chicken but when it IS your life, you need to take it into your own hands and find a better neighborhood - Seriously!

Answer 3

The same thing actually happened to my mother with our neighbors after she tried to get a tax abatement because they own a junk yard right across the street from us. They took this as an insult and have harassed our family ever since. She got a restraining order on them at the local police department, which forced the town law enforcement to start taking notice about such things. They got involved, and once the man of the family had all eyes on him he started to calm down a little. He barely bothers us now. My suggestion is to just get the law involved so as to scare them. That will make them calm down.

EDIT: He was making threats to us too, and even those stopped after he got his attention. So I wouldn't worry about that. This could be a more serious situation than I am figuring though, so just get law enforcement involved, and if it isn't getting any better, you may have to consider moving. I wouldn't concider that until all other attempts haven't worked.

Answer 4

You have tolerated this much too long! You never know when your neighbors, or their associates, who have heard them make such vicious remarks, will make good on their threats.

This is truly a legal matter and one that I feel you should waste no time in pursuing. The same day that you obtain a court order against them, look for another place to move to. You have a right to be safe wherever you live and it is not about being a chicken or a wiener either .

Answer 5

There is a fine line between a threat and intimidation. the comment "i'll slit her throat" is a threat and I would call the police. I also, would be looking for a place to move. You need to get out of this neighborhood before it is too late. Good luck to you -k-

Answer 6

Well, I hate to say this, but I think you should consider moving. I hate to say it and I know you hate to do it, but these people are dangerous. Normal people, even people who are angry with you do not speak this way.

If you own your house, you might as well sell. With this slime living there, the property values will go down anyway.

If you are renting, then tell your landlord why you are giving notice.

You need to be safe and feel safe where you live.

Answer 7

My friend went through something similar and she got hold of the other person's landlord and he told the people to straighten up or they would be out. It worked. Just tell them God bless you and God loves you and so do I. That sometimes works too. They sound like they are on drugs or mentally ill or something. Were your dogs bugging them? If so then you have to correct that. Have a good one. Mmm

Answer 8

go to acity council meeting and make it known that they are creating a problem and if there are children in area go to parents asking for help to get the cops to raid the house they are putting entire street in danger by being there and if you know that are dealing drugs take down plate numbers and car description for the cops and call a detective they should be willing to help you

Answer 9

Where you live is so low class the ghetto would be a few steps up. Get a job so you aren't around the house except to sleep and then MOVE. Your environment is sub-human

Answer 10

this one is hard, maybe try weirding them out. give them a wink and blow a kiss . Then they will prolly start saying things like "she's whack", just try making them feel awkward. Like when they call you a name, just look behind you and then point to yourself surprised like "me?" and then nod your head yes. They'll prolly beso confused they wont know what to do. Im not sure if this is sensible thing to do or not, just be careful. The most sensible thin gto do is tell the police...