what can we do about antisocial behaviour? please read the notes below carefully!?

Question

I live in a building which mainly houses disabled adults and it is in Scotland.
Last night our building and the cars of carers and service users alike were targeted by petty thugs and vandals the police took forever to get here and then acted like they did not know what building they were going to. it's not the first time or the last time that the building was attacked it's not the first time the police failed us either the building is very obvious and it's purpose is obvious
the bottom line however is that the residents and workers in this building are HUMAN BEINGS, LIVING BREATHING PEOPLE not OBJECTS,
DIRT or ANIMALS!
I intend to petition the community and send the petition off to appropriate organisations
what else can I do to protect my friends and neighbours?
i am already involving social work and advocacy
please ONLY answer if you have a LEGITIMATE answer to give this is a VERY serious situation
also please don't use the word retarded or other offensive terms

it seems i forgot to mention one important thing I don't think the police are even INTERESTED in us. we have cameras they're rubbish
we don't have gates at the front or the side of the car park
I want to move out of this place because i have no life here i am sick and tired of people looking down their noses at me just because of where i live i mean if this happened in New York City i'm pretty sure something would be done about it
they have put these "community wardens" in place and they are useless they don't even listen to what we have to say we should not have to live like this and our workers should not have to work in conditions like this i even suggested to my support worker today that the whole lot of them - all the workers should be out on strike until conditions get better the service users would back them up 100% we're not a bad bunch and some of us have more understanding than others. we've tried to talk to the community wardens and police to no avail

with the amount of paperwork the police have to do i don't think there would be much point in writing a letter. i want to move out of this place and go back to Glasgow ( i was born there) but it's a catch 22 i have many vulerable disabled friends in this building and i have a rapport with the workers if I leave i feel like something worse will happen

i am going on holiday for 6 weeks I don't know what to do about my flat for the 6 weeks i will be away i could ask my advocate to pop in andcheck things but she doesn't drive. I am aware of the fact that most disabled people can not go away for 6 weeks at a time however, i am in the fortunate position of having a mother who lives abroad and I am going to visit her for 6 weeks

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the ignorant are with us always. Your concerns are well based, I think it is time to start with the police. Get the names of officers who respond to your calls. If they are slow to respond or do not deal with the situation adequately write a letter of complaint to the police department, mail a copy of the letter to the local government as well. The police have a duty to protect you, you also have a duty to protect yourselves. If at all possible you should install surveillance and alarm systems in the building.

Answer 2

First of all contact the police superintendent , then your council person and then the media , tv and newspaper.

I'd do this when you got back from your holiday.

There is a rankist attitude with many police departments and city councillors and other politicians that disabled persons have no power, count for nothing and lack dignity so why bother.

It's a sad attitude. Petitions may not help, most politicians throw them in the garbage pail. I think your best bet is to get an investigative reporter either locally or nationally involved and embarass the Glascow city government and police dept. Aren't they in contention for some kind of internation sporting exhibition, get the paralympians involved too as well as all the disability groups in the city.

Sounds like all of them need sensitivity training as well as being publicly embarassed for their nasty attitudes.

Answer 3

You mention involving social work. You might work with them to do some community organizing. Gathering the neighbors to develop a block association, establish walking patrols. You might also have the community move beyond petition to more vocal and obvious action. Attending council meetings, letters to the editor, etc. DA

Answer 4

Go to the media, get them involved. Is your landlord the state? Go to your renters association. Contact appropriate Politicians, write letters to the editors of major newspapers, invite politicians and city officials to visit your building, contact associations for the disabled, attend city council meetings and ask for time to speak, contact a security company about installing new lights etc, promise them PR if they do it and have the media attend, tell them you will write thank you letters to newspapers. Do you have a neighbourhood watch? If not organize one.

Answer 5

I'm truly sorry for your situation. Things are no better in the US, especially in a big city like NY or Philly. A small town might be better. If it's that bad, you can't worry about the other people. I've been in a situation where I had to look out for myself to survive. Unfortunately, predators will prey on people who they perceive as easy targets.

Answer 6

First get yourself where you want & need to be, then you will be able to better help those left there. Sounds like you know what needs done. Push the issue. Good luck.

Answer 7

Get better security for the building, including cameras and better locks for all entrances

Answer 8

Video cameras and a neighborhood watch by tenants...

Answer 9

Put your petition on the net or on Yahoo Q&A.
You have my vote