Horrible youths

[Scarlett]

I live in an old bank and at the front of the building is a massive window, with a big flat stone window sill. Beneath this are railings which I had to get planning permission for, as gangs of kids were sitting on this window sill at night, using it like a park bench, and being so noisy and leaving litter etc all over it.

I thought that the railing would stop them, but now that it's the summer holidays, the kids are back, and they are hoistng themselves up, over the railings in order to sit on my window sill.

I have gone out and asked them to get down, and they just look at me with disgust, chewing, and don't move. Eventually they slide down but continue to stand right outside my front door (I live on the main street) looking threatening. They don't go away.

I live in a rough area and if I make a big deal about this, I know that they will egg my door or worse.

What can I do? They are on private property, and they know they shouldn't be. There are about 8 kids, from 10-17.

HELP!

[Scarlett]

P.S- If one of them were to fall through the (single glazed) glass window, or inpale themselves on the railings, I would be liable, and they could sue me. Is this fair?

[turboped]

I know this is a long shot, a very long shot, but stay with me, I live in a small village, about four years ago we started having a gang of 11-14 year old hanging around outside our house and using the bottom of our drive for skateboarding and bmx-ing, I lost it with them several times, I even got home one day and caught one right up by the garage. Eventually I decided to go and have a chat with them and told them how it feels to have lots of people hanging around outside. I showed them some respect and they showed me some respect and they went away and have never returned.

[dot.hawkes]

or you could put that burglar paint on the railings

[jiggy-gb]

get yourself one of those 'Youth Alarms' they were showing on the news a few months back. Lots of shops etc are putting them up to stop them hanging around. Apparently it sends a sound out at such a pitch that it can only be heard by the sensitive ears of teenagers and causes them mild discomfort so that they move on.
Don't ask me where you get one from though, sorry!

[dot.hawkes]

http://www.compoundsecurity.co.uk/deterrent_ne ws_99.html

[jiggy-gb]

Here you go, this explains what it does

http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.ph p?navID=7&newsID=4151

[dot.hawkes]

probably they can wardy because I think the prog. i saw about it said the tecnology was developed from the idea of how dogs hear the different frequency to humans. i wonder if rats can hear it, or pigeons.

[jiggy-gb]

The news item I saw on it said it didn't affect pets, that doesn't account for birds in trees etc though. Sorry I can't help you re the peasants though WM, lol!

[beryllium]

yipes at the price of that alarm... still, I wonder if all our neighbours would chip in and then it may be viable....

Scarlett, we bought a cctv camera and all the bits needed for �100 from B+Q, but since you will only need 1 for that area, they're about �50... then you can record them and then you have the evidence to stop them hopefuly... I guess in the meantime, to cover you, that maybe a warning sign that the railings are dangerous or tressassers will be prosecuted....?

Wardy is the man to ask about the legalities I should think...

[violetblue]

Get a pit bull from the lady who sent in a question on the animals and nature section.

[naz_nomad]

It'll stink a bit, but smear the window sill in dog sh1t for a short time ...you'll find it very effective

[WendyS]

This is a difficult one because you are obviously feeling violated and intimidated at the same time. I guess these kids are on school holidays, bored out of their mind and don't have the initiative to do anything constructive with their spare time.
I don't know whether you trust yourself to do this but could you possibly bring yourself to go out to them and say something on the lines of "Hey guys, I know you don't mean to cause trouble but you really are giving me a problem hanging around here making such a noise. Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?
They will probably look totally embarrassed and uncomfortable, but if you could persuade them to join you (and feel confident they're not going to rob, mug, or rape you) you might find they they're not so bad after all and might treat your home with respect in the future.
Perhaps they don't have a local youth club or anywhere else they can hang out without having to spend money they don't have.

[Cobra2]

Get yourself an Uzi 9mm....when they see you have one they will disapear, believe me.

[jiggy-gb]

LOL, naz you always make me chuckle! Nice, cheap option too!

[jiggy-gb]

What about a nice, sturdy and heavy window box? You could even screw it to the wall if you're worried they might nick it?

[dot.hawkes]

going along with Cobras theory, get one of those stand mounted Sanurai swords and display it in your front window with a fake trophy from a martial arts club.

[~Wingnut~]

I know it sounds crazy but I would be tempted to do what Naz said and smear dog poo. Put it on the ground too, infact maybe start off with a couple if dollops on the ground in front of your window? There's nothing more embarresing to a teenager than standing in dog poop! Or do you have a really butch male friend who could pop down every now and then when they are there?
Other than that ring your local cop shop and ask them for their advice.
Good luck Scarlett, I recognise you as a regular here and would hate to think of you sitting there worrying (or anyone for that matter) xx
:o)