Crazy Neighbors Bad Behaviour Escalating

I am so very sorry about what you are going through. I don't have any good advice, just putting my support out there for you. If I think of something constructive to suggest I'll come back.

 

Yes, call the police. Anytime and every time they are abusive or threatening, call them again. Document their behaviour extensively and present it to your condo board. Talk to some of your calmer neighbours who are in a position to witness these antics and see if they might be willing to take notes too. Have somebody take photographs if they can get away with it. There's absolutely no way you should have to put up with this. Your alcoholic neighbours should be evicted ASAP.

edit: Hey, Tony. Great minds think alike, eh?

 

It sounds to me like they like harassing you for fun. Unfortunately I dont think there is much you can do if the board has no power to remove them.
I on the otherhand have the opposite problem I bought a house alot smaller then I wanted because it was the only way I could afford to live in a quiet neighborhood, but sometimes it is hard knowing that I could have a home twice the size for half the price if I would have been more willing to deal with that type of stuff. I guess I still would rather live here where I dont have to lock my car doors or house, and I can leave my garage door open when I leave and never even have to think about my tools and equipment walking away.

 

Are they causing trouble for anyone else?

 

That's a tough one. You really can't keep on living under these circumstances, it's inhumane, your sanctuary has been assaulted. It sounds as though you've been beyond enduring and reasonable. Tape them, if you don't have a video camera, use your cel phone video or rent one. Get them on tape. Keep a log of all disturbences. Let your board know - formally. Notify the police. The board must enforce this if you have the footage to support their behavior.

All my best, and keep us posted here as to the progress of this issue.

Robin

 

that's terrible! what about using a tape recorder or something to record their rants at you? that hopefully would be more subtle than video and maybe enrage them a little less, making it easier on you for now while you collect evidence.

i wonder if they've got some psychological damage from the war... i know of a number of iraq vets who have pretty severe PTSD. that is still no excuse for their actions, btw, i'm just wondering aloud if they could eventually be sentenced to some mandatory counseling or something.

i lived with someone very much like that for 15 years so i can empathize with you. i really hope you are able to resolve this and have a little peace!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusmaybe @ May 14 2007, 07:30 PM) [snapback]442096[/snapback]</div>

Document everything they do and say. Get a webcam with microphone so that you can record some of the confrontations. Write up a description of what happened the other day and get the Board Member to sign it. Absolutely notify the police. These guys sound like bullies. If harassed again confront them in an assertive but non-aggressive manner (bullies usually back down when confronted) and not only tell them how you feel (fearful) but tell them that you will defend yourself and your rights. Get a restraining order that will prohibit them from interacting with you. Get a dog, 50+ lbs. Get a Louisville Slugger (bat) for the front closet. Learn how to defend yourself its not that hard to do. Put an alarm system in the unit and have a remote that will activate the alarm. Get the phone numbers of the Board Members and call them each time these bullies start acting up. Livelychick would probably suggest a Taser which is not a bad idea but remember there are two of them, so a stun gun will probably be a better idea since it can be used multiple times. If you think they could become physically violent other options are available.

Wildkow

 

Wow, I'm not so sure I could stand it if I were in your shoes! I would definitely, at some point, report them to the police. Unfortunately, unless you want to move to a different location, it looks like it may be out of the board's control, especially since they own their own place.

Best of luck to you - my prayers are with you.

 

Sucky neighbors . . . well . . . suck! <_<

Don't sit there like a victim. You need to be proactive.

1) You need to be calling the police on their asses.
2) Get a restraining order against them. With all the witnesses you have, it should be a slam dunk for a judge to grant you one.
3) Call the police on them some more . . . every . . . time.
4) Pressure the condo board to have them kicked out. Without the added ammo of 1-3, the condo board has little to go on.

In the meantime, I'd be greasing the wheels. I'd be secretly dropping off weekly "peace offerings" of massive quantities of hard alcohol.
Who knows, they may think of it as a sign of friendship on your part - and they may actually leave you alone. But they will be pickling their livers all that much quicker.
( ooh, I'm cruel. :lol: Bwaaah Haaahaaaahaaaaa :lol: )

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusmaybe @ May 14 2007, 10:23 PM) [snapback]442134[/snapback]</div>

I will add to the above about documentation, formal complaint to board, then repeatedly calling the police and getting a restraining order.

The fact you are a female adds the facet of harassment. Your condo rules may have a clause regarding sexual harassment. I think their intimidation could come under that definition. Once it's documented they get a cease and desist. Then if they violate, it's the police and a restraining order. If they violate that, it's arrest.

They own their unit? The board can fine them. They don't pay, eventually their unit can be ceased. That's extreme but I think it can be done. A lien can certainly be put on it for unpaid fines.

If you can document any stealing or vandalism, that should be reported to the police. Every time.

They smoke pot? You call the police and report them. That's against the law. They should be arrested and there should be a record of it.

What do you have to lose? They already believe you're reporting them when you're not. That means someone else is reporting them. Someone else is also fed up with their behavior.

Time to fight back. Don't talk to them. Don't acknowledge them. But...document everything and call, call, call. Time to start to complain. Who would the condo board rather have living there? You...or them? It could very well be they are more than willing to act, they just need someone to complain and start the process. That is your responsibility not only to yourself but to your neighbors.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusmaybe @ May 14 2007, 09:30 PM) [snapback]442096[/snapback]</div>

That's peeping Tom behavior. Grounds for arrest and restraining order.

You might even be able to make a case for stalking. Again....restraining order.

Yes, you need to start calling the police.

And document everything.

Start now with everything that has happened. Try to remember dates and times best you can. Review it periodically and you'll remember more. Add it. Revise. Refine. In the future be sure to note date, time, who, witnesses and exactly what happened. You don't need a webcam or photos. If you have a detailed diary it would be hard for them to defend themselves. Time for you to take control of your life.

 

You know, your first best move is to seek legal counsel in the matter. That would give you your best avenue to set foot in. Then go about such things as a restraining order, gathering evidence, and pressuring the board into having these fools evicted. It sounds like they could be costing the place good, valuable business.

 

At the very least, they are lowering property values to the neighbors around them in the complex.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusmaybe @ May 14 2007, 11:23 PM) [snapback]442134[/snapback]</div>

apparently they need more pot. :lol:

[yes... it was intended to make you smile, but on the serious side marijuana has immense potential as a PTSD therapy and is commonly used as such- albeit illegally. which is why i bring it up.]

 

So sorry to hear about your troubles.

Perhaps you're thinking about a nice Rottweiler...for companionship?