Harassment, paranoia or a bit of both?

[sherrardk]

My husband got ripped off last year by his 'business partner' (no formal agreements were in place because they were 'friends') and things have been uncomfortable evert since (we live in a small village and they live nearby so it is inevitable that we cross paths).  Last night one of the neighbours knocked the door to say that the ex-partner and one of his cronies had been sitting in their vans at the end of the cul-de-sac eyeing up my husband's van.  Today a different croney and his mate drove past me really slowly, almost stopping as they drew level, clearly discussing me and then drove away very slowly (in my mind to make me think that they were going to go to my house as I was clearly going on the school run).  When I got home it was obvious that someone has been trying the back garden door that leads from our garden onto a community playing space (I know someone had tried to open it as the leaves had clearly been shoved by the door being pushed inwards - they weren't like that earlier as I have been in the garden a lot today as we got some rabbits yesterday and I have been checking them). The ex-partner knows that this is the sort of behaviour that would really unsettle me and it is the sort of crappy thing he would do for fun.  So at last to my question, is this harassment, paranoia or a bit of both?

[Eve]

Is there a local community police officer you could go and have a general chat with for some advice. At least it has been logged from early on in case anything is going on or gets any worse.

Keep a written log of everything, times, dates etc...

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that Jenna - I could have a word with the community police officer. It makes particularly uncomfortable as these people know who I am (as I am quite noticeable due to my children) but I don't always know who they are.

[tigwig]

Ignore the above poster sherrard. I think it probably is a bit of both yes and it would unsettle me. I cant really add any further advice but agree with jenna that you should have a word with the police to see if they can help.

[sherrardk]

I missed the removed answer - wonder who it was and what they said.

[Peter Pedant]

get a digital camera and photograph them

you may even shout, smile, you're on camera !

I can tell you they will stop 'eyeing you' very quickly indeed.

you may think, ha they will come around to the house when I am not there,
however they wont, as they will conclude you have a video system.

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that - that would make me feel in charge and positive. Feeling better just thinking about doing it.

[chrissa1]

I would definitely tell the police and also Peter Pedant's idea is a good one.

[daffy654]

Sherrard, It was this person:
http://www.theanswerb....uk/members/mujameem/

Nice to see the mods/ed deleted his rude comment :)

[sherrardk]

Thanks Daffy - never been bothered by a troll before.

[DTCwordfan]

suspend the bustard. Ed - this one is not a laughing matter.

sherrard - get it filed with the police....and as PP suggested.......

keep a diary in pencil as to any untoward behaviour, calls etc etc. (why in pencil, any attempts at erasure etc show up and hence are more convincing if it is a continuous untouched log).

[chrissa1]

Just as an adjunct, maybe the mods should leave the name of the poster whose post has been removed. Name and shame, that's what I say.
I thought he/she was a troll when I read his/her post.

[DTCwordfan]

actually, that is not a bad idea...might want to contact the Ed suggestions with that one, chrissa.

[chrissa1]

Do you really think so DT? Ok I will.

[sherrardk]

Good idea Chrissa - would be nice to know who was being mean.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions - feel better for knowing that other people think that the above behaviour is not acceptable (was worried I was turning into a bit of a basket case!). Think I feel 'extra' vulnerable as I always have at least two of the children with me.

[tigwig]

It was me who reported him. He said something like you should stop moaning and stop thinking the world revolves around you! Or something to that effect, didnt make any sense anyway. He also did the same on one of my threads.