[JanetG]

My neighbor and his two teenage sons (ages 15 and 17yrs) have been looking in my windows for years. The children started when they were young and would look in my windows when they came in my yard to retrieve there balls and toys. Their father started six years ago or so after I put up a fence to stop the children from coming in my yard. Sometimes he (the father) stands in his driveway and looks in, other times he stands on his back porch and looks in, and oftentimes he parks his car in front of my house and looks in. The police have been notified on several occasions but they claim that my neighbor is not breaking any law as long as he is not on my property. Three days ago I found footprints in the snow coming from my neighbors driveway right up to my window. I called the police who witnessed the footprints but they still refused to file a complaint, even though when they talked to my neighbor, he admitted it was his 15 yr old son's footprints and stated his son was "just" getting his ball that had rolled in my yard. I do not want these folks on my property, parking in front of my house, and looking in my windows. My local police refuse to file any charges or complaints even though there are numnerous police reports over the years about this particular problem. What to do?

[CaptainForest]

Talk with your local city counselor, tell him/her what is happening and ask them why the local cops aren't doing anything.

I know it works in my area.

He admitted the son was on your property, the cops SHOULD have filled out a report.

Another option is to set up a video and record the son/father coming onto your property and not for a ball.

[Bluerose]

I can't really comment but feel driven to tell you that if it was me I would put up some heavy net curtains making it impossible for them to see in. And when it comes time to put the lights on draw the curtains closed, leave no cracks.

If this worked I would also ignore them completely - they obviously get some kind of satisfaction out of your reaction.

[ScottGem]

You can get a video surveillance system fairly cheaply these days. I would recommend it, get them on tape and prosecute for trespassing and voyeurism.

The lower cost remedy is to get drapes or blinds to cover the windows. You can get blinds that can be set at an angle to let sun in but preventing seeing what's in the room.

[excon]

Hello Janet:

Below is my typical response when I run into situations like yours.

In the world, there are victims and victimizers. Right now, these guys have you pegged as a victim. So far, you're cooperating with them. I sense, however, that you don't like the role of victim and you want a change.

Good!! However, please be aware that the change I suggest is serious and carries with it, its own set of dangers. If you can't pull it off, then you should NOT try, because failure may put you in a worse situation.

But, the cops are no help (duhh! ). They'll only respond AFTER something happens, and I don't think you should wait for something to happen!

Indeed. Not only would I put up cameras. I'd put them up in plain view with bright lights that come on automatically. You can get light or motion detectors to turn it on. It's good, that the lights come on several times during the night from just general street noise.

Go to your local gun store, and buy a hand gun. You can get one that's small enough for you to handle, yet big enough to stop somebody. Send your neighbor a copy of the receipt. If your state allows you to carry a concealed weapon, get a permit. Send a copy to your neighbor. Take classes on gun safety and self defense. Send copies of the receipts for those courses to your neighbor. No letters, no threats, no words - just copies of your documents…..

I think they'll leave you alone. Victimizers don't like people who fight back.

excon

[ScottGem]

Re your e-mail. Some areas have anti-stalking laws and peeping tom laws. So someone parking on the street and observing you might be considered stalking. Showing them doing this on a regular basis could be considered stalking.

Another idea would be to use a reflective film on your windows. This could let the light in but inhibit someone seeing what's inside.