Kids Hitting Car With Football

[shiznit]

Hi everyone,

We live in a private cup-de-sac of 2 houses, which unfortunately backs on to another road of terrace houses. The kids from the terraced houses use our cup-de-sac to play in which is normally no problem, but they are now playing football with the good weather and are constantly hitting our cars with their ball, (a leather casey). The annoying thing is, that behind our house is open grassed area which when I ask them politely to go and play on, I am told "its a fee country, no, f off and various other things. I'm not a boring old stick in the mud, but both our cars were expensive and we look after them, its too late when they are damaged, and judging by the way the kids speak to us, nothing wold come of it.

Even my 4 kids can't believe how cheeky they are, and that they wont simple play on the grassed area.

What can we do to solve this peacefully, and without our cars getting keyed

Thanks

[New Judge]

It's unlikely you'll be able to resolve this peacefully. Some children believe they have a God given right to behave as they wish with no respect or regard for other people or their property. They are often encouraged in this belief by their parents.

Playing ball games in the street is contrary to the Highways Act 1971. In some areas police have taken to issuing fixed penalties for the offence though many others cannot be bothered. Best consult your local "Safer Neigbourhood" team.

[Gizmonster]

This might seem a bit extreme, but I know what I'd do ......

....... depending on where exactly they play football, I'd construct some kind of makeshift barrier, with plenty of nails or other sharp objects sticking out and strategically place it in front of your car(s).
If and when the ball his the barrier - oh dear, popped ball.

If you're not up for that, then another option depends on where exactly they are playing. If they're on the street, then you can't do the following, but if it's on a patch of grass, etc ...... you can make the area unplayable by sneaking out one night and dropping glass/nails/dog poo all over their playing area. A bit extreme, I know, but desperate times call for desperate measures :)

[tonywiltshire]

There is a possible remedy in civil law if you can establish the names and addresses of the young people who are damaging your property. Contrary to popular belief you can take civil action against young people from birth, below the age of 18 they will need a next or litigation friend and a letter from a solicitor to the parents or guardians pointing out the possible consequences, may be sufficient to stop the action which is causing damage.

[EDDIE51]

We have the identical problem and again just 30yds away is a park with a grassed football pitch complete with goal posts . I asked the kids why they didn't go and play on the pitch, the answer was that '' We are playing 'Kerbie' which apparently involves kicking the ball so that it bounces off the kerb.

[shiznit]

The little f*&^%$£@ are back today, and actually stood outside our house waving at me through the window. I just don't want our cars damaging, because in the long run we would have to pay for any damage. Obviously the kids have no repect whatsoever, 1 of them who looks about 5 told me to go f myself.

[bushbaby_de]

We have the same problem with next door's kids playing on our shared driveway. They don't give a toss when I ask them to stop. I've come home to find my garage door and front house door covered in muddy ball marks so they clearly think they can kick it against my house too. If you find a solution please share it!

[shiznit]

Update, I installed a CCTV camera that cover our drive/property plus a sign informing people that a camera was in use, done the trick