What would you do?

[Emerald_Mommy]

Came home from the library this afternoon to see 5 boys (probably about 11-12 years old) spraying our water hose. They ran off as we pulled in our driveway. DH yelled a little bit at them but we don't know them. This makes me so mad! They had no thought that what they were doing was stealing and they didn't care anyway. We didn't call the police but maybe we should have. And why didn't their parents (or our neighbors) stop them? I guess the problem is no one here really knows each other so no one would feel comfortable asking someone what they are doing. Argh! What would you do about something like this?

[slowtypinwoman]

I'd let it lie. But for future, can you take the top off the spigit? I had a friend who just kept her's in the house and put it on only when needed.

[forestdale]

I think I'd go to the police station and ask what I should do if it happened again.

[debbiepittman]

We've had things like this happen. Problem is our house is FENCED. They have climbed the fence and gone in to play on the girls' toys and such. Sometimes (when we left gates unpadlocked), they've let our dogs out.

We locked the gates, warned off the kids when we were not there, etc. Not much problem now.

Debbie

[homesteadmamma]

I'd let it lie to unless it happened again. I'd also make sure I kept track of this, either on a calendar or in a book so that if it does happen again, you have the dates for the police.

Kids will be kids and if they see a water hose they can play with they will. Is there a way you can shut it off from inside when not in use.

[sunshine]

Padlock the spigot.

[honeydoya]

Hello,

Your letter sparked a thought that had been raised before on one of my groups. Here is the thought: This incident may be just the perfect thing to get to know your neighbors.

Here is my picture.

Make or buy some cookies.
Pretty them up in a nice decorated paper bag or Wrapped paper plate.
Deliver them and introduce your self to your closest neighbors. While making the introduction let it be known in a friendly way that you would prefer to be asked when their children would like to play over.

In my case it was.

"Hi I know we havent met yet but I am your neighbor at #72. I made some cookies for you . I hope you and your family enjoy them. I am sorry I hadnt taken the time to get to know you sooner. Being a mother myself I know how hard it is to keep track of all the neighbors and their childrens names as well. I am glad that I did find the time to come around today though. By the way I notice childrens items in your yard. I have seen a few of the neighborhood kids that my son/daughter plays with. Which Kids are yours?... Ahh You know some kids came into my yard while I was not home the other day and Used the hose.I was very worried someone may get hurt while I am not there to watch them. I sure hope they ask next time.

Well It was very nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me."

Cookies are always a Great Icebreaker. If you are polite and neighborly most people will react in kind. Also if they feel they know you a little better they may be more inclined to keep their children in line.

I am fortunate to know Most of my neighbors on this street. They have been a blessing to us many times over.

Hope this turns out well for you.

Honeydoya

[Emerald_Mommy]

We're turning off the water line inside the house. It's easy to do (we do this in the winter anyway). We had our weed-eater stolen right out of our shed and several other annoyances in the past few months. We're just getting aggravated. Our street is not the best place to live. I doubt I'm going to be talking to these people anytime soon. The police are here every couple weeks anyway (not called by us). Our neighborhood overall is o.k but our street is not. Thanks for letting me vent.

[bamamomto4]

I hope nothing else has happened.

I would make sure everything is put away so no one can get to it while you're gone. If you do know where the kids live,I'd pay a visit to their parents and let them know what happened.
We had a similar problem here last year (not done to us but neighbors) some teenagers around ehre were going around knocking mailboxes down and they stealing whatever they could...from grills to lawnmowers. Luckily they were caught before they got to us.We try and keep everything around here locked up in the shed.

[Darlene]

Yep, time to meet the neighbors. May seem a bit awkward at first but the wonderful feeling (peace of mind) you'll get from knowing your all looking out for one another is so worth it. Who knows, you may make some life long friends in the process.

[Mamawolf]

We keep everything locked up! We live in an ok place, but it NEVER hurts to be cautious!