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Post by Doodles on Jul 14, 2013 12:52:16 GMT
Hi hope everyone is well and enjoying the great weather makes a really good change Milli and i have a problem and are hoping someone out there might know what to do.Over the last year we have been constantly harrased by a bunch of 16+ year old kids in the area.It all started with us catching a few of them breaking into a neighbours flat and me reporting it.Since then we have had to call the police on at least 60-70 occasions with them throwing stones at our windows.They have damaged the window in the camper van and also on our sliding doors on the back of the house.Now the police have come out many times over this but had not actually taken any action until last week i managed to get a name of one of the persons involved.They arrested him but he is denying it and also his mum had called to my door saying if she had of known she would have dealt with the problem herself.Since then i have been able to do some investigating and have given the names of at least 20 people involved in this but have not heard a thing back about it.We are at our wits end here as in the last week we have had 2 more attacks on our house we reported one but no one came out so didnt even bother reporting the next one aswe have now pretty much given up.Does anyone out there know what our rights are here should the police be doing more or the council who we have also reported this to.This is causing all sorts of personal problems in our home and is also affecting our kids.Thanks in advance just hope someone knows what we can do here.
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Post by Firefox on Jul 14, 2013 13:04:56 GMT
The easiest thing to do would be to move to another area. These kids are above the law generally and the police are not interested what they see as petty harassment. Even if they do get caught and there is enough evidence, there will be nothing more than a £50 fine and an ASBO which they will wear as badge of pride. They will then continue the harassment even more, especially if you were involved in grassing them up. We had a family move into a housing association property in our street and a year of a mini crime wave. Windows broken, things stolen, old people abused on street corners etc. Police not interested, even though it was clear who was doing it. Things only stopped when the housing association moved those people out.
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Post by Doodles on Jul 14, 2013 13:17:00 GMT
We have considered moving which means a move into private from council its not an issue paying rent its getting deposits together etc not something we had put aside for.It is clearly the best option for us but not a simple lets go unfortunatley.I am amazed the police dont do more i have given them everything they need to start knocking on doors and questioning these people.Also i have been warned by the police to not take matters into my own hands as i will be immediatley arrested for anything i might do.It is pretty disgusting.
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Post by robmac on Jul 14, 2013 14:01:42 GMT
Unfortunately Will, the law is often on the side of the criminal. Maybe a camera (even a dummy) would act as a deterrant if you mounted it high, say next to the bedroom window.
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Post by Doodles on Jul 14, 2013 14:22:53 GMT
Rob i forgot to mention i have also provided police with photographs of them actually in the act but that was a two months ago but nothing came of that either.
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Post by Pollik on Jul 14, 2013 15:04:32 GMT
I have heard so many stories like this...good citizens, black people, gays, disabled people. If moving isn't an option, then, if it were me, I would keep the pressure on the police to feed back to you about what they are doing. If you don't think they are doing enough, then complain. If you can, get some photo evidence, video is better yet. Get the local paper involved, they might want to run a story or maybe just get a letter published. Is anyone else having problems with them? Maybe you can work together, perhaps some kind of street watch and again the local paper can be useful to shame the police. Don't do a Tony Martin, though. I hope you find a way to get it sorted out. x
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Post by Doodles on Jul 14, 2013 15:55:26 GMT
I went up to the station last week and asked to speak to the sergeant when it opened our station is only open 4 hrs a day 5 days a week :/ He said he would get in touch with the dealing officer and get back to me not heard back from him since.
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Post by Pollik on Jul 14, 2013 18:19:40 GMT
Try not to let it slide...if you haven't heard by Tuesday, ask again, express concern, frustration or even fear about the kids. From what you have said, the police have already had plenty of time and it sounds a bit like they haven't prioritised keeping you informed
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Post by Doodles on Jul 14, 2013 18:26:40 GMT
Will see what happens this has been a nightmare feel like my hands are tied with not being able to sort it out myself.Makes you feel like you are letting your family down or something.
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Post by Oldish Hippy on Jul 14, 2013 21:16:58 GMT
try your local mp and say that you dont think he doing enough on law and order
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Post by daisymini on Jul 15, 2013 5:42:10 GMT
Sadly Will as an honest citizen you probably will not get a good response, Ive been in a similar situation for over a year, I did all the legal things like the council ,kept a record of events etc phoned police, social services (small child involved), got fed up and so did the whole street UNTIL...one of the street decided to take matters into their own hands steamed in and threatened them (not my way of doing things..but) they had been terrorising us for over a year..!! needless to say they moved within 3 days. Sadly for you kids are involved and they seem to know the law better than any adult..even the police and governing bodies....my sympathy's lie with you!!..xx
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Post by bopper on Jul 15, 2013 8:35:26 GMT
You need to dig deep into your reserves of grit and determination. Don't let em beat you. It is going to cost a bit but firstly. Get a good security light trained on your trouble area. Secondly, get a good security colour camera aimed at the same spot. These cameras are quite cheap now and you can monitor the situation from them indoors. Then; take a clipboard and pen and canvass the street. Ask all residents in the street if they have had similar problems because it it most likely that others are in the same situation. Try to organise some sort of street watch (This is also a good way to get a good sense of community spirit going) This street watch should be alerted when these trouble makers appear by getting those who wish to help, their phone numbers. Get names of offenders and keep on pushing the police as well as going to their parents and also their school headmaster/headmistress. You will need to PUSH, PUSH, PUSH.... don't let the little bas***rds win... this is war!
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Post by Pollik on Jul 15, 2013 10:09:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2013 12:58:56 GMT
Send written complaint to police and copy it to your MP ~ make sure that the letter shows that you've copied it to MP. Keep a diary of all incidents and photos, also the police response. If they are council tenants, send complaint to council too. Don't move, then they'll have won and will carry on terrorising others. If all else fails, contact local newspaper with story about council / police lack of action. Good luck, I hope things improve for you.
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Post by Doodles on Jul 15, 2013 20:17:08 GMT
Hi all thanks for the kind words of support and of ideas we have decided the best thing for us to do is move.It is the best thing and we will feel a lot more comfortable.We are going to start looking for houses tomorrow so wish us luck
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on Jul 15, 2013 21:23:04 GMT
Good luck with your search Chap! ,that's a really horrible situation to be in.Your probably doing the best thing by moving,as nobody wants to live in fear in their own home.Its nice here in Bournemouth!
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Post by Pollik on Jul 15, 2013 22:04:37 GMT
Good luck Doodles I feel for you, I really do. Of course, you could still sell the story to your local paper..."Family Forced out of Home by Yobs - Police did Nothing!"
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Post by Firefox on Jul 16, 2013 0:06:20 GMT
Hope it goes well for you Doodles! I didn't mean to be negative when I said move. The other people had much better suggestions really, and much more sensible lasting solutions when viewed from the point of the whole community. The only thing would be is that you may need to invest quite some time in it, and be possibly the subject of more harassment while you did. Having seen how some of these yobs work, it's a shame, but a practical thing.
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Post by bopper on Jul 16, 2013 7:49:39 GMT
Great shame that you are moving but it could be for the better. On the positive side you could fit nicely into a new area and make some good new friends. I wish you luck.
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Post by n brown on Jul 16, 2013 8:36:24 GMT
I see moving as a positive step.to fight this situation could take over your life,only a human would consider such a one-sided battle,any animal would be off without a second thought ! pragmatism not pride !
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Post by Doodles on Jul 17, 2013 18:39:01 GMT
Well we have cracked it where kindly given the number of a local Landlord today who took us to view 3 houses all of which were great.We have decided to move into the third one he showed as it had a front dive big enough for both the van and our car.It is also on a quiet cul-de-sac with about 7 other houses.The back garden is the size of a 5 a side pitch so kids will love even has a bbq patio area.So we are very happy today compared to the last few day's.Once again a big thank you for all the kind words and advice given.
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Post by n brown on Jul 17, 2013 18:49:05 GMT
very pleased for you !
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Post by Pollik on Jul 17, 2013 18:50:47 GMT
Brilliant! Glad things have worked out for you!
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Post by brewkit on Jul 17, 2013 20:44:06 GMT
that's good news will, sounds like a good move.
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Post by lotusanne on Jul 17, 2013 21:06:57 GMT
Well done Will and Millie, house sounds ideal, and you will hopefully feel this is a positive outcome to the situation, the buggers may have done you some good!!
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Post by bopper on Jul 18, 2013 9:00:53 GMT
Pleased to hear it. Could be that it was meant to be!
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