Anti-social behaviour

[JanieB]

CCTV is very cheap nowadays. And although the police don't seem particularly interested in burglary. due to the paperwork and cost of investigation, petty stuff with an easy proof/clear up rate is right up their street.

Try <gardenlaw.co.uk>. There's unfortunately a few trolls on there at the moment, but in general you will get sound advice.

[starwatcher]

Bring Back Hanging ( For Everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[Waffler]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Along the route of strategically placed buckets of water, we had considered having one at our bedroom window to chuck out if they rang the bell (we're above the front door) but figured by the time we'd opened the window they'd have heard us and would be out of range. Various similar thoughts struck me, but I have to confess that in this day and age we're slightly concerned that something as harmless could be classed as assault.
We live in a village, where I don't think there's a neighbourhood watch scheme and I don't think there's a CPO either - but could be wrong. My guess would be that the police wouldn't routinely pass by our house at the problematic time as it's pretty rural.
We've decided we need to sort out our outdoor lighting and perhaps install a movement sensitive light.
Last year we had a police officer look at the place for guidance on security and the general concensus was that, unless you get a really sh*t hot system, the CCTV systems merely serve to show you that a person/persons were doing whatever they were doing, but don't actually show who they are.
SMP - in answer to your question, we're near Lyneham.

Touch wood, nothing so far tonight, but don't know if they're about outside!

[pigletwillie]

A friend of ours had trouble with "hedge jumpers". To prevent further outbreaks he borrowed some electic fencing, the wires of which were positioned in the appropriate places.

Hear him laugh at the pained squeals caused by the non lethal, non marking electrocution they recieved.

Just a thought.

[JanieB]

What a brill idea PigletW. Where in Wilts are you Waffler. I may be able to help!

[carlseawolf]

keep a couple of chickens inside the wire and then you can class the fence as fox prevention if they try to get you done by the police.

[Two_Sheds]

[QUOTE=Waffler;161538]... strategically placed buckets of water, we had considered having one at our bedroom window to chuck out ...we're slightly concerned that something as harmless could be classed as assault.QUOTE]

That's precisely why I said "accidental" buckets of water, ie just lying around. I do not advocate chucking water at anyone - for one thing it would make them even crosser. However, if you are climbing over someone's fence and you step into a bucket of cold water, or onto a rake, or in a hole, that's your lookout, no?

[Madasafish]

Himalayan brambles make ideal hedges.

[Waffler]

Well, the fun has continued this evening, in spite of the horrid weather. We're a little further on now as we saw them pestering our neighbours opposite so gave them a call. It seems that they know the family (we now have the name which may prove useful) who are known to be a pain in the harris and who's parents would do nothing if a 'quiet word' were had. Their property is pretty well secured, except along one side where there's a steep bank up from the road, with a chicken wire fence along the top; they've trampled that to get in to their garden.
We've been ignoring it this evening, but neighbour went out: they ran off. He then went out again and was seen to be giving them a flea in their ear: they went off, and so far... haven't returned.
OH bought an infra red sensor light thingy today so we can light them up as they approach - mind you, they'll probably just attempt to run the bulb down by activating it.
Might give the boys in blue a quick call for advice and mention the family name.

[seasprout]

Yobs.

Waffler our council runs a hotline for Anti-social behavior.
Just googled Wiltshire County Council and it appears your does too.


Have a look here ...Wiltshire County Council | Community Safety, Anti-Social Behaviour and Drugs Team

Hope there is something is usful.

[Waffler]

Thanks for that Seasprout - I'll certainly look in to it.

[Two_Sheds]

Our police force (Norfolk) has an online Crime Reporting Form. It's anonymous if you want it to be ... I used to use one for my local yobboes when I lived in Sussex. The police were out every other night for the same band of 20 or so teenagers - who were too young to be arrested, and regarded ASBO as a badge of honour.

[SueA]

As you've got a name & they are damaging your property it might be worth contacting the council anti-social behaviour unit. We had to do this last year, they ask you to keep a diary of incidents & ring them if you have any serious problems & they will ring you every so often to check up. Luckily our troublemaker moved but it was reassuring to know that the council & police were aware of what was going on & were keeping an eye out for us.

[Two_Sheds]

Oh, I just had a thought. I caught some scallies climbing over mum's fence once - I went out and fired off my camera flash at them. They thought I'd taken a picture (I hadn't) and scarpered. Not been seen since.

[rustylady]

Do keep a diary of events, however minor. And keep informing the police, either by phone or on-line. As it's a village you live in I would bet the family are known to the police, and probably to other agencies.