Re: Harassment of Neighbors

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On 4/19/08, Stressed wrote:
> We have 2 neighbors in our neighborhood that are just
> impossible. For the past several years they have gone after
> at least 5 families on our street if not more. They file
> false reports with local agencies alleging things such as
> illegal operationn of business, child neglect & killing
> wildlife. They yell things at neighbors, blast music, dance
> in their driveway, the woman has exposed herself (on
> video), send rude postcards in the mail as well as fake
> letters from "attorneys", they block the sidewalk with
> their cars so kids cannot ride their bikes in front of
> their home, harass people on the phone forcing them to
> change their numbers and the list goes on and on. The
> police have been called countless times but usually
> whatever they are doing stops and they retreat to their
> house and do not answer their door when the officer shows
> up. The HOA has been notified both by letter and in person
> but state that they are powerless to do anything and
> recommend that we start a neighborhood petition (for what I
> do not know). We really feel as if the law is on their side
> at this point. We all have lives and families and don't
> have the time to keep "beating our heads against the wall"
> with these people. What...if anything can we do to put an
> end to this? It is of the opinion of the last officer who
> responded to a complaint that they are just trying to push
> someone over the edge in hopes of being able to sue them. A
> search online shows that they are no stranger to the courts
> so that theory definitely holds water. HELP!

Perhaps you can take up a collection from the neighbors,
who, like you, feel harassed, then hire a lawyer. You
might be able to bring a suit for damages (nuisance,
invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional
distress) or seek an injunction to prevent acts such as
blocking the sidewalk. You will need to document their
objectionable/illegal acts which means keeping a log of acts
and witness names. Photographs and recordings will also help
in court.