I just bought a small house, am a single parent. The neighbor next to me, on the corner, has 3 dogs, 2 are aggressive (pitbulls) which he leaves in the yard all the time.
He is ‘retired’, and around all the time. I can’t work in my backyard without a ‘visit’ from him, asking me all sorts of personal questions…in the guise of friendliness. He has done things to my property while I wasnt home ‘in order to be helpful’ without asking (trimmed a hedge, ect.).
He states he keeps a gun, and the ‘guard dogs’ to protect his house from all the ‘gang members’ in the city. Yet, he says he helps these young gang members because they dont have father figures, and one came to his house the other day, he said, oh thats a ‘blood’. He said all I have to do is make a phone call if someone bothers me, I got so and so down the block to move.
His dogs bark off and on all the time. After 5 months of this, and also sometimes music blaring in their backyard, I went over and said their dog seems like they want to come in (to his non-employed 25 yo son), he put him in the backyard kennel, that didnt work. I went back over there, and said this isnt working, they said, I am cleaning, he is not coming in, and I said ok, I will just call the police then.
My daughter was grilling in the backyard, and I went out to check on her, the neighbor (dad) was back there said I want to talk to you, I said not now (I was MAD), he repeateded that I repeated, ect, then he said I am not going anywhere, and he said ‘I run this neighborhood’. I walked away to the neighbors across the alley.
Is this a veiled threat? How can I get them to leave me the f alone, and respect others peace. Also should I be fearful?
I hope you are renting because you can move more easily. Yes, it was a threat, and it wasn’t veiled very well. And yes, you should be fearful and probably leave him alone. It sounds like a ghetto and he has made some contacts to get done what he wants done. I’d leave them alone, stop complaining about the dogs, don’t expect help from the police, and look for another place to live.
Edit: I see others advising you to confront him, etc., most likely a good way to get a knife in your ribs or a bomb in your house.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:24 am
sounds like a scary situation. do you guys share a yard or something? i dont get it. anyways, if you feel threatened, you might want to try to smooth things over and try and avoid this man after smoothing over the situation. if he persists, then call the cops.
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November 13th, 2009 at 10:46 am
First of all, you should NEVER allow him to make you fearful. Or even more, to let him see/suspect it.
Next time you see him ask him WHY does he feel he runs this neighbourhood? With what means? Does he feel he actually helps anyone? In what way? Does he teach them values of work/morality/respect for others?
If so, good for him and perhaps even congratulate him- though I somehow think that will not be necessary. if not or unclear, even more tell him that you dont feel you need that sort of help from anyone, him included.
Try to talk to him without getting too mad though as the less he has against you, the better your stance in case you ever need any intervention from the police.
Perhaps it’s a good idea to start writing down the things he says/does, especially those that bother/alarm you.
Just remember to stay calm and polite as much as you can-in this way you will always have the upper hand, at least manners wise, and,
perhaps not that important, but when outside the house, please keep all your doors/windows locked.
good luck and remember he’s only human and the country is not a lawless dessert
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