Need advice on neighbors

[TheKey]

Hostile, from you especially.

I have these neighbors next to my house who own the lot of my previous neighbors whose house burnt down. The layout is *their house* *empty lot* *my house*. Anyway a long time ago someone went into a shed on their empty lot and burnt some things, and because I was having a party that night they came over and accused me of burning their things. The police were called, they tried to scare me by saying they had it on tape, and that I was facing 7 years in prison for "arson". I quote the man of the house, a total ******, "You are facing 7 years for arson unless you confess, and just one step into our yard is trespassing". Needless to say I didn't do it and the truth came out later when the woman admitted that they didn't have anything on tape, and they were just trying to scare up a confession. They claim they found out who did it but wouldn't tell me who.

Fast forward 15 months, not much contact between the two of us since then. This man has three kids and they always have parties in the lot, and their friends park halfway in my yard with their tires and walk all the way across it to go to the lot. I am in the process of putting down grass and they are ruining it. Also, there is a pool in my backyard that needed to be drained so it could be worked on. We ran the hose over OUR fence and let it drain into OUR yard. Well, a little bit of water was draining onto this man's empty lot and he walked into my yard and threw the house against my house. This happened twice. I then called the police for advice and they said that I needed to buy a "No Trespassing" sign and post it on the border to make it legal.

I don't want a war with my neighbors, so not to upset the man upstairs, so I thought a sign would be the most passive way to go about things. I bought a sign and put it up (via a steak in the ground), and figured they would get the message. Well, this morning they are having flag football games in the lot and the man walks over, takes the sign out of the yard, and lays it face down a few more feet into the yard. Now I am just out of options because I feel like the only way to get them to stay our of my yard is to call the police. After all "one step is trespassing".

I have thought of two courses of action:

1. Buy another sign, along with that neon orange tape and put them far apart along the border with the tape trying them together, effectively making a small fence. I think that would send a better message.

2. There is a window right by the border and I was thinking of putting the sign back up and setting up my camcorder on a tripod and taping him taking down the sign, then calling the police with proof he trespassed.

I have tried every diplomatic thing with this man, but he is one of those arrogant jerks with more money than he can spend and he thinks he owns the world. He cannot be reasoned with. Please help.

[Yeagermeister]

Spike strips ;)

[Faerluna]

Are you not allowed to put up a fence? Even one of those small flowerbed borders would get the message across.

I know there are many folks that don't believe in fences, but I'm among the "Good fences make good neighbors" crowd.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Option X....whoop his butt.:D

On a serious note, you already called the cops about this.

You might want to consult with a lawyer.

But whatever you do, make sure to keep notes, take pictures and
video tape the events and a security camera might be in order.

Best to cover yourself as best as you can and actually have evidence
that they can not refute.

And if all else fails...go back to option X. :D

[ethiostar]

Your neighbor sounds like a bully and a ****** bag. I would put up a fence and be done with it.

[Hostile]

Are the burned down remnants of the house still there? Also the shed that is there, is it secured?

[TheKey]

Are the burned down remnants of the house still there? Also the shed that is there, is it secured?

No, the house burnt to the ground and the former occupants moved. These current owners bought the lot, cleared it off, and laid grass down. The shed was not secured at the time of the break in, but since they have put a lock on it, a security camera, and a HUGE industrial spotlight on top of the shed that lights up the entire block.

We cannot put up a fence because the trespassing is happening closer to the street and the city doesn't allow fences to extend all the way to the street.

I also don't want to get a lawyer, who will cost me a lot of money, over trespassing.

[Hostile]

No, the house burnt to the ground and the former occupants moved. These current owners bought the lot, cleared it off, and laid grass down. The shed was not secured at the time of the break in, but since they have put a lock on it, a security camera, and a HUGE industrial spotlight on top of the shed that lights up the entire block.

We cannot put up a fence because the trespassing is happening closer to the street and the city doesn't allow fences to extend all the way to the street.

I also don't want to get a lawyer, who will cost me a lot of money, over trespassing.There is not much you can do other than a fence along the yard as far as you can extend it. The taking down of the no trespassing sign was enough for you to call police. I think you should have.

It must suck to have bad neighbors. I feel for you. The guy sounds like a bully.

The reason I asked about the house remnants is because you could file a claim with the city planning division. You still can if there are open septic, electrical or other hazards.

[TheKey]

There is not much you can do other than a fence along the yard as far as you can extend it. The taking down of the no trespassing sign was enough for you to call police. I think you should have.

It must suck to have bad neighbors. I feel for you. The guy sounds like a bully.

The reason I asked about the house remnants is because you could file a claim with the city planning division. You still can if there are open septic, electrical or other hazards.

What do you think about the two trespassing signs that I am going to put up with the orange tape in between?

Next time he does it, I assure you I will have it on tape.

[TheKey]

There is not much you can do other than a fence along the yard as far as you can extend it. The taking down of the no trespassing sign was enough for you to call police. I think you should have.

It must suck to have bad neighbors. I feel for you. The guy sounds like a bully.

The reason I asked about the house remnants is because you could file a claim with the city planning division. You still can if there are open septic, electrical or other hazards.

Oh and they aren't like that. These are the type of people that have to be the talk of the town, perfect yard, perfect kids, and always at the Baptist Church.

[Danny White]

No, the house burnt to the ground and the former occupants moved. These current owners bought the lot, cleared it off, and laid grass down. The shed was not secured at the time of the break in, but since they have put a lock on it, a security camera, and a HUGE industrial spotlight on top of the shed that lights up the entire block.

We cannot put up a fence because the trespassing is happening closer to the street and the city doesn't allow fences to extend all the way to the street.

I also don't want to get a lawyer, who will cost me a lot of money, over trespassing.

In lieu of a fence, could you put up some small edging, like this:

http://www.mastergardenproducts.com/bambooborder43L.jpg

You can even use these or railroad ties for a pretty cheap option:

http://appalachianiron.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Traditional_Flower_Bed_Border.360142722_std.jpg

Or maybe a small row of foot-tall high hedges?

[Sam I Am]

Murder in the First always works. :cool:

[Rampage]

you should send in a tape to MTV's Bully Beatdown tv show.

[Faerluna]

In lieu of a fence, could you put up some small edging, like this:

http://www.mastergardenproducts.com/bambooborder43L.jpg

You can even use these or railroad ties for a pretty cheap option:

http://appalachianiron.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Traditional_Flower_Bed_Border.360142722_std.jpg

Or maybe a small row of foot-tall high hedges?

Yea, that's exactly what I was thinking when I said the flowerbed border. The small hedge is a good idea, too.

[bbgun]

Have Stallworth get drunk and run him over.

[tomson75]

I like option X, but if it absolutely MUST be done in a civilized manner....



























....I have no advice for you. I'm not civilized. :D

[Dallas]

I would get a property camera. They are pretty cheap. I would then put my signs back up and watch my recordered video feeds nightly.

When the ####smoker comes back to mess w/ the signs, you get him on video.

Take a copy of that video and burn it to CD. I would place that CD into his mailbox w/ a nice note that says.

"Howdy neighbor. Look at this video I have. This intruder (that's what we are calling this guy) came into my yard and took down my "No Trespassing" signs. By doing that he was trespassing on my property, right? Right!

The wife said he looks suspiciously like you. I laughed that off. As if you would do something like that right? Right! I guess I will take a copy of this down to the sherriffs office to see what can be done.

I wanted you to have a copy of this so that you knew who to look for.

Neighbors united, right? Right!!


Regards,
Concerned neighbor next door."

Drop off a copy of it for the sherriff w/ a case file being opened so that you can keep adding to the file if things continue. I doubt they do, but stranger things have happened.

[big dog cowboy]

Restraining order.

[Faerluna]

I would get a property camera. They are pretty cheap. I would then put my signs back up and watch my recordered video feeds nightly.

When the ####smoker comes back to mess w/ the signs, you get him on video.

Take a copy of that video and burn it to CD. I would place that CD into his mailbox w/ a nice note that says.

"Howdy neighbor. Look at this video I have. This intruder (that's what we are calling this guy) came into my yard and took down my "No Trespassing" signs. By doing that he was trespassing on my property, right? Right!

The wife said he looks suspiciously like you. I laughed that off. As if you would do something like that right? Right! I guess I will take a copy of this down to the sherriffs office to see what can be done.

I wanted you to have a copy of this so that you knew who to look for.

Neighbors united, right? Right!!


Regards,
Concerned neighbor next door."

Drop off a copy of it for the sherriff w/ a case file being opened so that you can keep adding to the file if things continue. I doubt they do, but stranger things have happened.


:laugh2::bow:

[DallasEast]

Well, this morning they are having flag football games in the lot and the man walks over, takes the sign out of the yard, and lays it face down a few more feet into the yard. Now I am just out of options because I feel like the only way to get them to stay our of my yard is to call the police. After all "one step is trespassing".
Option:

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/ELECTRICSIGN.png

[PullMyFinger]

In lieu of a fence, could you put up some small edging, like this:

http://www.mastergardenproducts.com/bambooborder43L.jpg

You can even use these or railroad ties for a pretty cheap option:

http://appalachianiron.net/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Traditional_Flower_Bed_Border.360142722_std.jpg

Or maybe a small row of foot-tall high hedges?

The bamboo ones look pretty spiffy, where did you get those?

[Yeagermeister]

The bamboo ones look pretty spiffy, where did you get those?

Only if you sharpen the edges :laugh2:

[ajk23az]

Option:

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/ELECTRICSIGN.png

I REALLY like this idea. I would suggest this. :bow:

[MetalHead]

Landmines.
Or leave this on the path of tresspassers:

"If walking all over my property is what you want,I have bad news for you.
Over my long career I have acquired a set of skills that makes me a nightmare to people like you".

[Danny White]

The bamboo ones look pretty spiffy, where did you get those?

Just googled flower bed edging.

[adamc91115]

"No Trespassing" signs on steel posts which are electrified.

Bet he won't trespass again ;).

[Yeagermeister]

Get a great dane and only let it poop in the area he's been trespassing on. :laugh2:

[TheKey]

Guys, I need serious options. Do you think the options I outlined in my OP were good ideas?

[Faerluna]

Guys, I need serious options. Do you think the options I outlined in my OP were good ideas?

I'd do the camera but instead of the signs and tape, do the edging. The signs sound a little bit eyesore-ish.

[DallasEast]

Guys, I need serious options. Do you think the options I outlined in my OP were good ideas?
Serious? Okay. Remove all doubt, but it's expensive.

1. Have your property surveyed.

2. Set two, not just one, NO TRESPASSING signs side-by-side, within five feet of the property line, with one facing towards the opposite property and the other facing the street.

3. Train your camcorder directly at the signs, make them the center of the lens and then zoom out enough so that the camcorder can see ten to twenty yards on either side of the signs. Also, set the camcorder for nightvision, if necessary.

By doing so, you will have:

A) Removed all legal doubt as to where property divisions begin and end.

B) Anyone can state that they did not understand the full implications of mishandling someone else's property (e.g. the NO TRESPASSING sign). That argument may hold some weight for a court. However, if someone is willing to mess with one thing belonging to someone else, they will also be compelled to mess with anything. Taking down two signs will remove all doubt of motive or intent.

C) Training the camera in the fashion described will capture practically every vantage point should someone approach the signs. That should positively establish the offender(s) identify. There's nothing like a poor camera angle to obscure a person's face in a scene.

Do not confront or warn the offender with the video. Take it directly and immediately to the authorities. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into one-on-one conversations about the dispute afterwards. The time for neighborly pleasantries will have passed. If someone approaches you, that will be the time for strongly considering consulting a lawyer and directing any offender to your legal counsel.

[Hostile]

Oh and they aren't like that. These are the type of people that have to be the talk of the town, perfect yard, perfect kids, and always at the Baptist Church.Yesterday I had to take off. I went to the telescope on Mt. Graham about 3 hours form my house. I got back really late last night. It's off topic but if anyone is coming to Arizona Mt. Graham is a great place to camp. I will be going back. I loved the Snow Flat camp site.

I don't like the 2 signs and tape idea and I will tell you why. Wind blows the tape and will act like a kite to pull the signs down.

Your best option is a fence. It protects you in more ways than just from a pushy neighbor. It is also a deterrent to thieves. The more obstacles they face the less likely they are to target you. It allows you the option of a dog. Most of all it sends a very clear message.

Last thing and I say this as a Christian. People like that give fellow Christians a black eye. Please take this with a grain of salt. What he has done to you, especially with the false accusations, is very un-Christian. I can privately show you in The Bible where the false accusations are especially heinous. It's called "False Wtiness Against Your Neighbor." Those are the exact words.

I would say right to his face that you might be more interested in Christianity if the Christians you know were better examples. When he asks you what you mean, bring up the false accusations, no apology, pool water incident and other things you have mentioned here and then turn your back on him and walk away. Do not give him the last word. He doesn't deserve it.

[Hostile]

Option:

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/ELECTRICSIGN.png
I did this, but straight plugged into an outlet.