Controlling neighbors?? I have a huge problem with BOTH of my neighbors not only are their kids horrible but get this their dogs have even caused property damage. Today the neighbors on our left their dog jumped the fence and attacked our 15 year husky retriever mix who is defenseless due to his age. The neighbors to our right their kid punched our brand new $3000 LCD TV about 2 years ago and their parents don't even raise their voices. I am at wits end we called animal control today and had them pick up the neighbors dog now of course they are mad at us. We r trapped in hell between the house being under renovation and the economy we can possibly move so the war is on. No trespassing signs are going up, the police will be called from now on, we are tired of broken solar lights ( has happened more than once and both neighbors blame the other neighbors kids) and squished plants and flowers. We are seriously considering purchasing a dog trap and/or landmines if anyone has any recommendations id love to hear them its to the point where I'm going to end up in jail for burning 2 houses down after nailing all the doors and windows shut...

This is pretty seriouss. So call the police again with a stern voice and that you property has been damaged and other police won't seem to do anything about it and that you're getting angry. And if you want, to scare some sense into those people, say you'll press charges against them for damaging your property, or actually do that. Its okay if they're mad at you. You don't have to be friends with them. And consider getting a tall fence too.

Could you try reverse psychology - invite them to a party and your house and try to make friends again?

They'll only get more angry if you get angry with them - what about the velvet glove approach?

video surveillance so you have hard evidence for any damage that is done to your property

I understand your anger, having had a similar situation years ago.

One thing you might try is keep a diary. Every single time something happens, they cross your yard, something gets broken, etc. write down the date and time, and take pictures. Keep a detailed log book in other words.

I would report the major things to the police, and I'm glad you did the right thing with their dog jumping the fense and attacking your dog. Make sure to get whatever reports are made about that situation.

I would also take another step here, and send each neighbour a registered letter. Tell them that you aren't going to tolerate their children's behaviour, and their lack of parenting any longer. Be precise and to the point, but make it clear that you are documenting and reporting this activity to the police.

It isn't enough to just be angry, you are in a position to try to get them to effectively stop what they are doing.

Failing that, maybe a small claims action to recover some of the damages that have happened might make them take you seriously.

I agree with holly and Jake.

You need to send registered letters, put up surveillance and do whatever you need to protect yourself. I doubt the police will do much of anything with anything less than serious physical violence. With property damage they say you have no proof and don't realize it is as serious as it is. Then too I have seen the police end up giving the victim a citation for some stupid reason and do nothing about the harassers. Then that sends the message that they CAN harass you even more.

Video is good because it is more proof than your word.

I wouldn't have them over because I know people like this can, will and do walk all over you. They would most likely destroy everything and not give a single thought about it. What I noticed about people like this is that they have no thought of the value of YOUR dollar. Their kid stomps on $60. Worth of your plants no big deal. They break your TV they don't care they are still watching theirs.

You need to send them that registered letter warning them that you will take them to court for everything if they keep it up.
I think you should start now with the TV.

And everyone thinks I am crazy because I don't want to buy a house!! This post is the exact reason why I don't.

I am in your situation currently. It doesn't help to try and "make friends" with folks like this. They believe it is their god-given right to let their dogs and kids do whatever. I no longer plead with neighbors to rein their dogs in... they are almost always non-responsive, and once you end up calling the police, they will know exactly who turned them in, opening you up to a world of vengeance.

I erected a six-foot "neighbor hater" fence around my property. Whenever the neighborhood dogs start their incessant barking, I call the police. As for kids, the fence doesn't do a lot to keep them out, so I have to park where they usually like to play in my driveway. This is even after I have conversed with their parents and notified them that A) I do not want kids running in my garden, due to delicate native plants...
And B) I don't want kids playing in my driveway due to liability issues.

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Originally Posted by N0help4u

I agree with holly and Jake.

You need to send registered letters, put up surveillance and do whatever you need to protect yourself. I doubt the police will do much of anything with anything less than serious physical violence. With property damage they say you have no proof and don't realize it is as serious as it is. Then too I have seen the police end up giving the victim a citation for some stupid reason and do nothing about the harassers. Then that sends the message that they CAN harass you even more.

Video is good because it is more proof than your word.

I wouldn't have them over because I know people like this can, will and do walk all over you. They would most likely destroy everything and not give a single thought about it. What I noticed about people like this is that they have no thought of the value of YOUR dollar. Their kid stomps on $60. worth of your plants no big deal. They break your TV they don't care they are still watching theirs.

You need to send them that registered letter warning them that you will take them to court for everything if they keep it up.
I think you should start now with the TV.

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Dang it! I have to spread the rep around before I can give you more... I'm giving you rep in spirit!

For any and everything, prove it and sue them for all damages. Once they are buying you a new TV, paying all of your dogs doctor bills, and paying 100 dollars for new plants,
When dad gets tired of having his check garnished, I am sure some changes will happen.

So they don't like you, I doubt you want them over for dinner anyway at this point