shoot and kill me -

[teryjohn5k]

my neighbour has threatened to shoot and kill me and has being giving me non-verbal offensive hand signs - Is this a crime and what can I do?

[Colortec]

You should involve the Police in this matter.

[spacechimp]

Certainly go to the police, but try to gather some proof.

[allen63b]

With or without evidence report it immediately to the police, they then have a record if it happens again and happen to have proof

[spacechimp]

Oh I didn't make that clear. Go to the police immediately and if it happens again do some very james bond recording.

[u-chappy]

Put your mobile phone's own number - if you have one - on speed dial so that it will go straight to answer phone. If you think you may encounter him again, dial the number and record the converstation. Have a go first to test recording levels.

Most people who threaten have no intention of carrying out the threat but go to the police and ask their advice. They can check whether the man has a license to to use firearms (e.g shotguns). If he is, it will be on record.

If you know he owns a shotgun or air rifle, mention that to the police as well.

Do any of your other neighbours know you or this man? do they feel the same way you do about him?

Remember, proceedings of any kind are seldom quick. Don't do anything to provoke or escalate the matter yourself. The more people who know the situation (especially the police), the less someone is likely to carry out a threat as they would be arrested immediately.

Threatening and abusive behaviour is a crime. A threat to kill is looked upon and taken very seriously by police and the law. Don't put on a brave face - state that because of this you are in fear of your life - be honest about how you feel and how much you think/worry about it.

Find out who your area bobby is and ask to talk to him/her.

Phone Victim Support and ask for advice.

Stay safe teryjohn5k

[Loosehead]

It's also worth trying to understand what it is you are doing to him that is illiciting this behaviour. There are 2 sides to every story, what have you done that has so upset him?

[ludwig]

You're not Tony Blair are you?

[spaced]

If I were to put my "good citizen" hat on, I would say ignore him and involve the police. Get all the proof you can. If I were to take that hat off and put my "sod the good citizen act", I would say tell him to eff off and then send the boys round to his house to teach him a lesson. My look on life is, always stay clear of trouble and always do the right thing and talk yourself out of it or walk away. But, if you know that there is no way out of it, hit first, hit fast and hit hard. I'd rather walk away from a situation and be the man, but I also dont take shight from anyone, and if I know I have no way of getting out of a troublesome situation....its game over for the other person or persons. You have a right ot get on with your life without some stupid knob giving you grief. But....at the end of the day, remember that its best to to things the right way....call the police mate!

[Grunty]

Good answer from u-chappy. Proceedings can be taken for making threats to kill, if the person has the means to carry out the threats, and if you are in fear of the threat being carried out. This has to be the case because the words "I'll kill you" can be said in different ways including in jest. Otherwise the circumstances might fit the lesser charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to lead to a breach of the peace. If you are lucky enough to have your own area bobby, he/she would like to know about this even if you are not contemplating court action at present. He/she will give suitable advice to your neighbour and to you if necessary. However, don't let the technicalities prevent you from taking u-chappy's advice.

[Dagman]

Straight to police mate! if he's threatened use of a gun it must be enough for them to storm his house. Don't leave it 'til it's too late, DO IT NOW! GO ON, DON'T JUST SIT THERE!

[Gandy]

Perhaps you should get a bigger gun and then wave it around like Robocop or something then your neighbour would cower before you and ask for your mercy. Then you could ask the Answerbank what brand of mercy you should allow him.

[simsfreq]

Go to the police. From what I've heard they ask you to keep a journal for a few days, but it's worth a try as death threats are definitely a crime!

[lankeela]

I agree with spaced - send the boys round to 'have a word' with him. Failing that, send the girls!