My conservative neighbors odd behavior

[vercetti2021]

Last edited Sun Mar 4, 2018, 08:40 AM - Edit history (1)

Now I'll start this off by saying that lately I've been very concerned about what my neighbors behavior has been like. Mainly it's just the safety of myself and my family.

So I've been neighbors with this guy for about 10 years and he's already threatened my family once for giving his dog water in the 110° heat that they left outside while they were on vacation. He put the bowl on our porch with a message written on it saying he was going to shoot us if we ever stepped foot on his property again.

After a while it seems like we just avoided contact. But the guy repeatedly calls the city for us having trash pile up outside near our back gate, weeds growing, trees growing and that sort of thing which we take care of but we all work so it's a little hard to do all that in one day.

But lately his behavior has gotten so bizarre. He is an alcoholic because he throws Bud Light cans on our side of of the yard, trust me there's a ton of cans out there that I've had to clean up many times and I've gotten to the point where I'm just throwing the empty cans back on his side of the yard. But the scariest thing is at 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning and I've noticed this when I let my dog out. Is that he'll be standing outside like a statue with a beer can in his hand just staring at nothing.

All day today he was building something and never did we ever see what it was. He's always sawing something but we never see any work.

I'll leave it at this because it's extremely weird and it's getting much weirder as time passes. With the current midterms coming up we're about to put out three democratic signs. Whoever is going to be the Democratic nominee for governor in Texas along with the Senate and the house, and I wonder if it's going to create issues or this guy will finally snap and kill us all. I don't want to sound like I'm snooping it's just from observations over time. But I figured I would share my creepy story to everyone here and ask if anyone has ever had a creepy conservative neighbor that has shown odd behavior like this or something similar.

Much love everyone

Edit: I forgot to mention the time when we left him a message on his door about his dog that he left out after 10 p.m. which you cannot do because it violates noise ordinance. The next day he came over with a very threatening manner and confronted my stepdad and wanted to the fight him.

Also we've had our cars messed with as well. Like nails in the driveway so we would run over them. Our hoods popped open... that sort of thing.

[hexola]

1. How do you know he's "conservative"

Creepy, you have documented.

Political persuasion?

[vercetti2021]

2. I should have clarified

He's had Cruz signs, McCain signs, Romney signs, Trump signs. So he's conservative no doubt.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

65. You also didn't mention reporting this guy to the cops... hope you did!

[vercetti2021]

67. We did

Nothing they could have done since we trespassed on his property

[riversedge]

103. I hope you have kept a diary of all of this--over time. Best to you. Keep calling

the police anytime you and your family feels a threat. Best

[vercetti2021]

114. Doing the best we can

Most of the stuff I have mentioned it's pretty much all logged in my brain. Anything new I'll make sure to get on film hopefully

[Hortensis]

140. A diary is an excellent idea. Entries consecutively

over months, with dates and details, are far stronger evidence than an officer's scribbled summary of part of what you say. Ask Comey what it means to be able to show he documented at the time. Or people who bring harassment charges.

Also, if you're right to be worried, a diary would live on after you. I'm just presuming you'd be target #1.

[mainer]

143. And do it electronically as well. Email the entries to yourself.

So there'll be proof of when you wrote the entries.

[tblue37]

154. Get a security camera (or several) so if he messes with your car or other property

you have incontrovertible proof. Any time he approaches you, turn on your phone to record what he says--surreptitiously, if possible.

[Laffy Kat]

228. Yes, maybe a game camera or two that just start recording...

When someone or thing enters your property. They are really come down in price and are quite good.

[vercetti2021]

236. Likely because the technology is getting better

So it's cheaper to get better surveillance

[Laffy Kat]

238. My sister outside of Tallahassee, has several set up all over her land.

She loves wildlife and gets amazing photos of everything from otters to bears.

[vercetti2021]

245. But that's great though that's a good hobby

Getting a lot of the wildlife photos

[Laffy Kat]

255. That's why she does it.

For my Xmas gift every year, she puts together a calendar utilizing all the best photos, one for every month. They leave corn out for the deer every night, but other critters eat it too. My favorite photos are the bobcats.

[vercetti2021]

256. That's pretty smart

Utilizing your photos as a gift. I'll give her props for the creativity!

[treestar]

152. Throwing his beer cans on your property counts as trespass

And the nails - though granted there is no proof beyond a reasonable doubt on that one. Also for mistreating the dog, which your trespass does not negate. And the dog was out in violation of ordinance.

[braddy]

132. Conservatives despised McCain, Romney, and Trump, he sounds GOP moderate, not conservative.

[Hoyt]

141. I don't know. I think white wing racists were solidly behind trump.

[braddy]

147. Conservatives weren't behind Trump and many are still despised by the die hard Trumpers, they

still mocked as never Trumpers, neocons, war mongers, free traders, etc.

[JHB]

173. Every NeverTrumper spent their adult lives paving the way for him...

They don’t get to disown him just because he’s too gauche for their tastes.

[lisby]

153. They voted for them anyway. nt

[tblue37]

156. They were furious that McCain and Romney got the nomination, as was Ann Coulter, but

just like Coulter, they all fell in line, vocally supported, and voted for their nominee. It's one reason Republicans win--they vote party line, and they vote.

Only Trump really divided them, and true conservatives are NeverTrumpers.

[braddy]

157. Yeah, the neighbor appears to just be a regular republican, not a conservative.

[Blue_true]

163. Not when he ran as McCain/Palin. nt

[JHB]

172. My conservative relatives supported all those people...

They had varying degrees of enthusiasm, but they’d vote for a guy who had cherry-red skin, horns, cloven hooves, and a spaded tail before supporting a Democrat.

I think you’re considering too narrow a selection of conservatives when you say they despised them.

And even the ones they despised, they still backed.

[braddy]

174. A Texas guy putting out signs for McCain and Romney and Trump

sounds like a republican, not a right winger. Trump didn't do so well in conservative Texas, he got 52.6%.

[vercetti2021]

213. The guy supported Cruz as well

Cruz is bat shit nuts. The guy is conservative as they come.

[braddy]

217. I saw that conservative outlier and assumed that it was for the Senate.

[jayschool2013]

251. Bud Light

No sane person drinks that swill.

[hexola]

3. I would go full psy-ops - put up conservative GOP signage.

Then he'll wonder about his candidates!

I'm half serious about that...signage is meaningless...its not 1955 anymore!

You won't hurt your candidate.

Going forward - I know its hard - but go full ignore. Pretend he doesn't exist.

Don't clean up his beer cans.

This guy is toying with you - don't reward him with your attention or apparent concern.

Do you have the feeling law enforcement is aware of this guy?

[vercetti2021]

6. Wait put up signage?

I don't think I could stomach putting a Cruz sign in my yard...

I'm not sure what this guy's motive really is. But we've had law enforcement take a report on his threats but they didn't really do anything about it.

I figured I would share my tale with everyone here because they might have and similar experience with a neighbor or a friend that has been kind off their rocker.

[Baitball Blogger]

113. He is probably trespassing on your yard more than you realize.

Several good motion detector cameras out there for under $100.00.

With proof in hand it will be easier to prove which neighbor is the antagonizer.

[vercetti2021]

119. Oh it is possible

I mean there's been snow tracks from his feet near are cars before

[Baitball Blogger]

123. I'm going to PM you.

[vercetti2021]

125. Alright

[ms liberty]

14. "Don't clean up his beer cans" WTF?

The OP said the neighbor throws his empty cans into HIS yard, but you say the OP should just leave them? Let his crazy neighbor's garbage just pile up in his own back yard?

[hexola]

17. Yes - says more about the neighbor

Not like forever - but I think it would soon accumulate and get someones attention.

When it does - the story will speak for itself.

Cleaning it up hides the evidence.

I was being sort of sarcastic though...

[treestar]

155. Take photos when there are a lot

and then clean them up.

[sharedvalues]

110. Advocacy is critical

It’s a GOP talking point and disinformation strategy to tell the left that advocacy doesn’t matter. That we should give up. Nothing is further from the truth. The country is at stake and we all need to fight for it. Register voters. Tell all your friends that watching Fox is unpatriotic and propaganda is funded by GOP billionaires that want to divide America to get votes for tax cuts.

P.s out of curiousity where did you hear that signs don’t matter? (They do matter- a lot) I’m interested to see how conservative propaganda gets to us.

[TEB]

4. Be careful

I have crazy neighbor as well right wing nut I have seen him decline. Never really knew his politics until trump ran.

[vercetti2021]

11. Well we're trying

I even joked that we are probably going to have to electrify all of our signs so he wouldn't come over and try to steal them. Part of me is kind of wanting to do that since O'Rourke signs are $10 a piece and I don't want to lose those.

[hexola]

5. Too bad you didn't shoot him when he brought the bowl back with the note.

Oh the irony...

"Neighbor shoots trespassing man delivering note threatening to shoot neighbor for trespassing"

[vercetti2021]

9. We didn't have a gun in the house during that time

I mean yeah we do now but I don't plan on shooting anybody unless they posed an immediate threat and actually came into my house. But I don't want to have a violent altercation again.

[genxlib]

44. This makes me sad

If I read your comment correctly, you bought a gun because of this guy.

That pisses me off that the gunners have gotten so aggressive that gun free people feel compelled to engage in a small scale arms war.

I don’t blame you at all for feeling threatened and taking actions accordingly. It is just a sad statement on the reality of guns

Forgive me if I read to much into your comment or misinterpreted at all. I might be projecting. When I hear about gun nuts I sometimes wonder if I need one and that just makes me madder

[whathehell]

15. "Too bad you didn't shoot him when he brought the bowl back.."

You think the poster should have shot the neighbor?...Really?

[hexola]

18. No not really!

Get a cup of coffee.

[whathehell]

43. No, I didn't think so..

but, hey...this is, in essence, an anonymous website, and you never know.

[vercetti2021]

20. I wouldn't shoot someone on my porch obviously

Only if they came in my house and showed an immediate threat but that's about it. We want to handle this in a more discreet way by going to the police but it didn't really work.

[hexola]

24. Understood - just remarking on the potential irony

Of the notes threat vs the method of delivery

[whathehell]

39. No, you don't want to do that

I hope you can deal with this successfully....You don't want it to
turn into an episode of "Fear They Neighbor" on the Discovery ID cable show.

[vlyons]

7. He's crazy for sure

Sounds like a depressed alcoholic, who hates himself and anyone else standing in front of him. Since you're his neighbor, you're an easy target for his hatred and to blame for his miserable life. I would contact the sheriff or local police and ask their advice. Get it on the record. If he is banging a hammer after 6 PM, you can report him for noise abatement. You might want to contact an attorney to learn what your rights are.

[vercetti2021]

8. We have filed a report on him

But it didn't do much good sadly. Even with the evidence we had our bowl and his fingerprints on the bowl. But it didn't hold much ground because we went on to his property without his permission so it held no weight.

I posted about that years ago on DU when I just joined. We still have the bowl too.

[babylonsister]

48. I would call the cops every time he

throws a beer can or puts nails in your driveway or any action seen to be threatening. Create a record. He sounds unhinged; I know I would be scared.


https://ask.metafilter.com/104081/Protect-My-Yard-Sign
Protect My Yard Sign

[vercetti2021]

55. I fear for my parents

Not so much myself I don't get scared from people like this. He is definitely unhinged... I'll take notes on future behaviors and thank you for the link I'll check that out

[magicarpet]

139. Get a special notebook...

..... and record every event.

* Date
* Day
* Time
Record each event accurately right then and there. Do not wait because you will forget to record pertinent details. Be thoughtful what you write because this could be entered into the court record should taking civil or criminal legal actions against him be necessitated.

[vercetti2021]

179. I'll do that

[magicarpet]

203. When you go out to collect his beer can litter....

.... Take a special trash bag and put it aside in the garage or basement. Go collect the beer cans by putting a pencil in the pop top opening and collect the can into a grocery store plastic sized bag. Then bring the collected litter beer cans to the large bag you put away as "harassment evidence". Do not touch the cans during or after collecting or transferring to the main collection bag. And do not let anybody in the family touch the cans collected in this bag. This is evidence against the crazy Nazi neighbor. The beer cans should only have his finger prints on them. Use this as evidence of harassment by this bully Nazi neighbor.

There is a way to freeze/reveal his finger prints on these discarded beer cans with super glue and then save them as exhibit B for evidence against him.

You should not have to put up with this crap.

[vercetti2021]

206. Well I don't touch the cans

No telling what kind of germs this guy has. I would use gloves to pick him up

[pnwmom]

241. But the pencil idea reduces the chance that your glove might rub the fingerprints off. n/t

[vercetti2021]

244. Yeah

And it's a good idea too

[Tipperary]

261. I cannot imagine the police fingerprinting beer cans. eom

[vercetti2021]

262. I know...

I don't think they'll do anything for him tossing cans on my side.

[druidity33]

81. get security cameras, hide them well. nt.

[vercetti2021]

87. That is the best option

[Louis1895]

100. Totally agree to document everything

Security camera in strategic sites. Get ones with motion detection that turns on flood lights.

Keep a diary of everything. Do the Comey thing: send yourself an e-mail of every encounter so it is time-stamped. Print it out each time and save the e-mails in special file on your computer.

Photograph every beer can thrown over the fence and save it in a plastic bag with a date. Do not touch with your fingers. You want to preserve fingerprints and DNA. Date bag. Store photos with time stamps (and GPS coordinates if you used your cell phone) in the evidence file on your computer.

How well do you get along with your other neighbors? Do they have problems with this guy? I would not engage with the guy but I would try to make friends with others.

[greytdemocrat]

223. Agree with the cameras

But I'd make sure he CAN see them.

[Fla Dem]

112. Best idea yet!! Especially focus on driveway, fence line.

Get him on video doing these things.

[vercetti2021]

116. Going to do our best

Lot of suggestions and advice here so I'm going to take as much as I can

[Hortensis]

150. Then what, tho? He goes to prison for 5 years for

malicious littering? Or he comes home humiliated from court with a big fine and warning?

We actually have some cameras ourselves for this little snowbird MH that isn't in the best neighborhood. (For some reason you Floridians don't like to build nice homes on little bits of low, floodable land surrounded by beautiful marsh. Just don't understand it.)

But surely the first order of business is to be safe? We're worried about our mower. He's worried about his life and those of his parents. Fine. Make the parents safe by calming this supposedly scary jerk down. Then put up some cameras in case he did something that would send him to prison, not to jail for 3 increasingly angry days.

[vercetti2021]

180. I guess we'll see what happens

Obviously he's still doing it because there's new cans over here. So yeah he's still doing what he's doing. All I did was kick them back on his side

[Hortensis]

205. Good luck, Vercetti.

[vercetti2021]

207. Thank you

Much love

[machoneman]

98. Get an order of protection....

Keep calling the cops, take video, or get a motion activate camers...or three. Any good laywer can get that order in a jiffy. Document in a log book all he does to your property.

[Corgigal]

164. They can't do a thing unless they, the cops catch him.

Get cameras, for front and back yards.

Don't go to his house for any reason. Don't put a stupid sign up in your yard. Do what I suggested below, and live quiet and mind your own business for right now. Let professionals take care of this, don't mess with a mind that you're unsure of the results.

[Blue_true]

165. If he leaves the dog out in heat without water or food, don't go onto his property.

Call the cops and let them handle it.

[vercetti2021]

181. Well at the time it was crucial because of the weather

And I'm a huge dog lover so I didn't want him to die. You think anybody would be grateful for the you making sure their dog wasn't going to perish in the hot sun

[orleans]

229. that dog should not have been left out

if they were on vacation

i used to call the cops when they would let their dog out on freezing cold winter nights and forget the dog was out and go to bed.

the police came to their house numerous times to have them bring in the dog that would cry in the cold.

neglected animals is always worth a phone call and worth reporting.

also--my advice--don't put out yard signs

[vercetti2021]

230. Did what any good person would do

I got threatened for it...it is what it is sadly.

Also I'll put up signs, I'm not scared of anyone.

[pnwmom]

240. Next time call animal control to report him leaving the dog in the heat with no water. n/t

[Hortensis]

10. Maybe have a friend display those signs for you.

Seriously. Also maybe throw his beer cans in a bag instead of his yard. It sounds like this creep needs defusing, and that might help somewhat.

In your place, if I really were concerned, I'd write up my observations in detail and report them to the police, including my belief that he was armed. Just to get my concerns on the record and ask them to at least search his history for violent behavior.

Bottom line, if you're worried he just might escalate to killing, start acting like it.

Btw, notice you asked about experiences. Our only hostile neighbor wasn't creepy. He was an old crank given to bad periods when his lifetime anger/emotional imbalance problems would cut loose. He actually called the police twice -- on us! -- when he came really unglued about nothing, but they had no trouble understanding what was going on. He was okay most of the time and a kind neighbor to our children, and for years most of the time we were able to keep up a decent relationship by accepting him for what he was and not escalating problems by responding to his anger attacks with anger. Fortunately for our own tempers, no beer cans were involved, though we did have to live with a spite fence that made it harder to maneuver the boat trailer up our driveway.

[vercetti2021]

12. We just tend to ignore him now

But I don't like that he litters on our property. Besides his abnormal behavior as of late is a cause for concern for us. I mean I'm happy that your situation was more handable at least.

[hexola]

13. I would just pick it up - price of aluminum is going up!

That ignores him nicely - put a barrel on your porch - crush the cans.

When its full - go buy yourself a case of beer on him!

Throwing them back is playing his game somewhat.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

56. Even better, keep a bin with a sign that he can see that says

Put the cans into a bin or bag with a sign above it that says "Recycling Beer Fund. Thanks for the cans!"

If you want to stop him tossing cans over the fence.

[Hortensis]

40. Good, and of course you don't!

Our neighbor maintained his property and never threw a can of anything anywhere, and for that alone I'd choose him gladly over yours. But "handlable"? Beyond doubt we could have lived at war with him; it was like living next door to NK, detente something constantly worked at. He was admitted to a mental hospital a couple of times with emotional breakdowns, and I'm pretty sure we could have made that happen more often. Looking back, he was fortunate to have neighbors who felt a duty not to exacerbate his problems, for his sake as well as ours.

In your case I meant it when I said, if you sincerely believe he might kill, start acting like it. Do what you can to deescalate the situation and keep it deescalated. Don't die.

Fwiw, our neighbor was a strong conservative also, and I would never have put liberal political signs in our yard. Not because we'd have feared it might infuriate him into killing us, but because upsetting a next-door neighbor unnecessarily would have been neither nice nor wise. My husband's sportsman's club set up signs at local businesses where a lot of people passed by.

Btw, maybe also remember that what you put on the web would be available to the police if anything serious happened. You don't ever want to be in a position where your words could be misunderstood and used against you.

[vlyons]

93. It most states it against the law to meddle with political yard signs

Against the law to deface, vandalize, or remove someone else's political yard signs. Ask your precinct of county Dem chair what the penalties are for meddling with signs. If it's a felony of malicious mischief misdemeanor. If you have a hidden camera, and bcan prove it's him, you can file charges. At the very least, it will cause him a hassle and a fine.

[mentalslavery]

16. you'd be crazy to put up liberal stuff...been in this situation....danger will robinson...

nothing is worse than a drunk conservative...

[vercetti2021]

22. I don't scare easily

I'm willing to put up things and dish out the consequences of how crazy people might be in the place I live. But I guess we'll see if his behavior escalates it is something more violent.

[bucolic_frolic]

19. Video surveillance

is cheap enough at major electronic stores. Placed strategically on the peak of your house or an upstairs window it would be all but invisible.

[vercetti2021]

25. We tried that with one camera

But the issue is our neighbor across the street, their garage light causes of glare on the camera so it really can't capture any night vision footage. In the day it's good, but no issues there. We've been thinking about getting another for the backyard. The company that makes these cameras is called Zmodo.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

49. The glare can be stopped by carefully positioning a piece of black to block it. . . . nt

[vercetti2021]

82. Hmm

OK.I'll try it. Thank you

[Bernardo de La Paz]

84. Also, make sure the window (if inside) is squeaky clean on both sides. . . . nt

[vercetti2021]

89. Will do

[DonaldsRump]

21. Get some outdoor cameras covering key areas on your lot.

I'm not a shill for the Ring system, but I have it and love it. I've also put a sign up saying there is video surveillance on our property. This might help your neighbor think twice.

I would also put up whatever political signage you want. It is YOUR house.

Be safe!

[vercetti2021]

29. Thank you

While we did try putting a camera at the front window of our living room it doesn't capture night vision well because of a glare from our neighbors across the street coming from their garage light. The daytime is fine but it only shows the front yard.

[DonaldsRump]

42. The Ring system is totally wireless. You can stick it anywhere, inside or out.

Put the video surveillance sign out where all, including your neighbor, can see it. Get a few dummy cameras too, as your neighbor will not know the difference. For an annual fee, Ring also stores the video of movement in the cloud. So, you would have a recording as well.

99% of folks would think twice about doing stuff to a property that was video'd and signposted like this. I appreciate there are some that won't, but, knock on wood, this has been very effective for us.

[vercetti2021]

57. We used ZModo

Not sure if you heard of it but we used that. Only issue is it wasn't a wireless camera... so I'll check into the one you mentioned

[DonaldsRump]

107. Give it a try

Amazon announced this week it was buying Ring for $1 billion. I know some folks may not like that, but it means the system is going to be around a long time. The system is great, because you don't need to run wires etc. You need to be able to charge the camera every three weeks or so via a USB port, or get the solar power add-on. That's the ONLY maintenance involved.

As long as you have a good WiFi signal that reaches the camera, you can place it anywhere (e.g., tree etc). The camera(s) will alert you about motion via a smartphone app and will record and give you live views. They also have combined motion detector lights and cameras.

I know I sound like a paid spokesperson for Ring (that's actually Shaquille O'Neal!). I am just very happy with the system, and I was up and running with a four camera/video doorbell system in a matter of minutes. That's no exaggeration.

And again, make sure you signpost the video surveillance, whatever system you have. That will help with your neighbor, plus thieves.

Like I said earlier, you should be able to put whatever political sign you want in YOUR own house. I wouldn't move, either, unless YOU want to move. Don't be afraid, but also don't be silly or careless.

Best strategy to me is total avoidance, surveillance, motion detector lights and an alarm system, plus warning signs at key locations. A dog would complete the suite!

[Soxfan58]

72. Just a thought

Game cameras, they are night vision, and motion activated

[vercetti2021]

74. Game cameras?

[JHB]

148. Also known as trail cameras, used to take photos of wildlife

They have pros and cons when used as security cameras. You can search on YouTube for "trail cameras security" for various videos people have done. See which might apply to you situation.

[vercetti2021]

182. Okay those kind of cameras

Yeah a few others suggested those as well I might have to look into that

[ms liberty]

23. I don't have any crazy neighbor stories myself

Last edited Sun Mar 4, 2018, 09:20 AM - Edit history (1)

But it sounds like you need to be documenting everything that occurs with this guy. Maybe including installing a security camera to record him throwing his garbage into your yard,. Outwardly, I would avoid any conflict or interaction with him though, because he definitely sounds like a disturbed and dangerous person.

[vercetti2021]

26. That's a good idea

I think we might get another one of those cameras and put it at the window where it shows the side yard because that's where he throws all his cans

[47of74]

109. Theres this guy where I live.

He was spending his retirement sending obscene and vaguely threatening letters to people. He was acting really creepy towards young liberal women in town. People reported him knowing nothing would be done but a lot of us figured if we kept it up eventually the prosecutor would take notice. Finally he got arrested when he made overt threats. He was going to plead non guilty but come to think of it the police probably had enough evidence that he himself mailed that his defense attorney had a come to Jesus talk with him and got him to plead guilty.

[SWBTATTReg]

27. Usually when you have a neighbor like this, all of the other ...

neighbors know exactly what you are up against (they have the same issue(s) usually in dealing w/ that particular neighbor too.)

I simply ignore them (the ignorant neighbor). When we get together at socials etc., usually I get together and say 'hello' to the other neighbors and ignore the ignorant neighbor (who usually doesn't show up anyway at these type of events).

People seem to forget that it takes the whole neighborhood to work together in order to better things for the neighborhood overall. E.g., high crime, start up a neighborhood watch group, etc. I think these kinds of neighbors are too selfish and think only of themselves and what's in it for them solely? Don't waste your time w/ people like this.

If I were you, and this neighbor is being this way, perhaps installing or just recording all interactions w/ such a neighbor would be worth it to you, if anything, to just have footage in the event that neighbor accuses you of more than just littering. Sounds like this guy doesn't have much to do, other than drink and gripe at everyone else while he's drinking. Don't put up w/ it one bit, otherwise it'll get out of hand, and he'll think you're a pushover. Don't go over there and beat him up, but be assertive and stand up for your rights, you've got them too!

Best of luck...

[hexola]

28. I have to ask - have you ever introduced yourself or made friendly overtures?

Do you know a bar where he might drink?

Go in and have one - when you leave buy him one,

[vercetti2021]

32. We tried the nice game

It didn't work when we left them a message about leaving his dog out after 10 p.m. because we all have to work early morning and his dog barks throughout the night and keeps us up. He came over here pretty pissed off confronting my stepdad. I forgot to add that to the main post.

[True Blue American]

30. You ever see an Evangelical

Republican?

I used to get the most hateful Obama lies and jokes from a Republican Minister. Even his daughter called him on it.

Was called down for telling an Obamacare nasty joke at a Church gathering.

They do not even need to be drunk.

[vercetti2021]

38. If I have then it's him

Because he puts up a big cross during Christmas time and I've seen religious stickers on his car.

[safeinOhio]

128. How about a nice little sign in front.

Mark 12.31 and Jesus said

"love Thy Neighbor as Thyself."

Every time you see him say "God Bless You".

[vercetti2021]

130. It would go against what I believe

But it would be funny though for someone who's agnostic to say it to him

[safeinOhio]

134. Agnostic/Atheist here, but

love to quote scripture to fundies. Kind of a hobby.

[treestar]

160. Like Thomas Jefferson thought

You don't have to believe in Jesus as God to think he had some pretty good ideas, and that is one of them.

[vercetti2021]

183. Oh don't get me wrong the Bible has its moments

There is some good text in there that I like to use against conservatives and extremely religious folk that are hypocrites.

[True Blue American]

253. True,and Roger Williams,founder of the Baptist faith

Was a friend of Jefferson and they worked together to be sure Freedom ofF Religion was there for us. That is why I knew the Southern Baptist Church was not for me.

They have gone totally off the rails. Not all Baptist Churches,just the Southern. They have a huge battle at the Convention every year over the direction of the Church.

[samnsara]

31. stay safe!!!

[vercetti2021]

76. Thank you

Will do!

[SammyWinstonJack]

33. Had a right wing neighbor in San Antonio. He liked to put signs in his yard and point them in my

direction, "No socialism", signs like that. Always goading. I sold my house, bought an RV and now if I don't like my "neighbors, I move. Not a solution for everyone. It works for me.

[vercetti2021]

36. Sounds like a good work way of doing it

Sadly we can't move but hey it worked for you

[global1]

34. A Friend Of Mine Had A Neighbor Like That - It Turned Out....

that his neighbor was a veteran that served in VietNam and came back with a severe case of PTSD. He was all screwed up from that war. You didn't want to walk up to him from behind - he would have killed you.

He stood on his porch at all hours of the day and night to protect the neighborhood from an attack.

Do you know if your neighbor is a veteran?

[vercetti2021]

37. That I do not know

We seen him display religious and NRA stickers on his car but nothing military wise

[tavernier]

35. Move.

Sounds like you need an upgrade in neighborhoods, anyway.

Ever hear Tom Wait’s song, What’s He Building in There?

[hlthe2b]

45. I hate to say that was my conclusion too. I fear he is dangerous and though I'd worry about those

left behind (neighbors or anyone one might ordinarily call to check on him), the fact is that our social welfare situation and laws are insufficient in most communities to deal with this. Calling for a welfare check would require law enforcement to check in on him, but it could readily escalate into violence--towards them or others, including you, afterwards.

I assume he lives alone. I guess you could meet with the group within local law enforcement that does welfare checks and gain their advice, noting you fear for his own and others' welfare, but you certainly need to let them know he is well armed.

[Blue_true]

166. Or the people that buy the house.

If you alert prospective buyers to the potential danger, just might as well give the house away.

From how I read it, the situation won't end well unless the neighbor dies suddenly of natural causes. Otherwise seem violence is certain.

[vercetti2021]

50. While that would be ideal

Our mortgage is almost paid off and we don't want to move over someone

[hexola]

52. Whoa - that limits your options

It sounds like this fellow also owns his property - not a tenant?

[vercetti2021]

77. I'm not sure what that house is

I don't know if it's on a mortgage or if it's rent

[spike jones]

61. "What's He building?" -Tom Waits

[vercetti2021]

70. I'd hate to find out

We joked that he's chopping up body parts

[Historic NY]

41. Build a higher fence and tell him its a wall...

put up some new motion sensor spotlights that shine all night. When he asks tell him its to keep aliens out.

[vercetti2021]

66. I'll tell him it's a border wall

I'm sure he'll think it's so funny...

[safeinOhio]

136. Good fences

make good neighbors.


check your local zoning laws.

[extvbroadcaster]

46. My old friend the judge

I could tell you stories about neighbors I have had that would make your hair stand on end. Drunken behavior, guns, being attacked by them, you name it. I won't bore you with the stories. But here is a story that might apply. I had a friend, I met him late in his life. He had been a lawyer and a judge and had seen it all. He was very wise, and one day I posed the bad neighbor question to him. I asked what was the proper response. Fight with them, call the cops, get restraining orders, what? He gave me a one word answer. "Move." And he was right, like usual. One of the best days in my life was selling my parents home after they passed away. That meant I never had to go back there and put up with the horrible neighbors again. If you can, sell, move to a better area and leave your gun toting drunken neighbor behind.

[vercetti2021]

54. I wouldn't mind moving

But it's getting my folks to move as well. The mortgage is almost fully paid for and I know my mom wouldn't want to leave. While I'm sure moving is the best because I wouldn't mind it but they enjoy it here

[extvbroadcaster]

80. I wish you luck but

Briefly, my parents moved when I was 10 to a shit neighborhood to be close to my grandma. She passed away shortly after they moved, but then my dad refused to leave. My parents lived there for 45 years. The neighborhood never got any better. It was the same shit hole 45 years later it was the day we moved in. My dad fought with the neighbors for years and years. And these were criminal neighbors. Guns, fights, cops, drugs, you name it. When I was a kid once I was on the porch and suddenly there were cops running across our lawn to jump the fence and arrest the people behind us.
What did my father get after 45 years of fighting with them, calling the cops, keeping loaded guns in the house? (shotguns in back closet and by the bed, handgun in the closet by the bed, all loaded and us kids instructed on how to fire them). What did he get? Nothing. Nothing changed. All we got as a family was endless turmoil and feeling threatened in our home. I was attacked. My dad was attacked and punched. Even my poor dog suffered, as a neighbor tried to choke him with his chain. His collar slipped or he would have been dead. I begged my parents to move. For years. But dad would not leave. When he passed away, and then my mother, us kids finally sold the house. I have never been back. Moving is hard. It can be difficult. But staying in a bad situation with rotten neighbors is no win. Take it from me, I lived it.

[vercetti2021]

90. Well I will say this

If he ever attacked my mom, my step dad, or my dog that'll be game over for him.

You never touch a man's mother ever... because I would become unhinged and probably beat the guy

Well it's good you got out though and I'm sorry you had to deal with it

[Blue_true]

169. Go after that guy only if you are certain that you are ready to kill him.

Beating him seem like it will only lead to greater violence, if I read your OP right. Either move or accept that someone in your family will likely have a lethal confrontation with the guy.

As far as the Mortage, if you look around, you may be able to find a less expensive home in a better location. If you sell your home at market, you should not get hurt by the transaction.

[vercetti2021]

184. I've already accepted the worst outcome if it happens

The issue is this is my parents house and they don't want to leave. It's actually a really good neighborhood it's just this guy is a psycho. And if it comes down to a lethal confrontation then better me than my mother or stepfather. Because I'm not scared of dying for something better.

[peacebuzzard]

47. +1 for security camera. I Also have destructive neighbors.

Years ago it started. They taunted my dogs, littered, and other garbage issues. After an incident when 4 of them came to cause major breach of peace, I told them to leave, and since then had no further interactions. They continued the littering, driving on my property, shooting wildlife and a feral cat I had (all unproven). Until I installed a ring cam. I don’t have a warning sign, but I had it installed by a security pro with his business van and they certainly saw that. So far, the destruction has stopped and I can continue my documentation. This will most certainly end up in court at some time, but I will have some evidence. By the way, the Ring system is working on a flaw of low light motion detection (night) and infrared blurry image to color corrected and sharper image. It has not been capturing in low light, but I think there is a security patch for that, I am reaching out to address this issue, but overall, the destructive habits of the citizens next door have been curtailed. Hope it continues.

[vercetti2021]

62. That sounds like hell

I'm sorry you went through all that. I'm just glad that you got a system to help you which I will look into, so thank you

[dembotoz]

51. bud light shows advanced dementia........but seriously be careful and photograph and document all

sorry you are going thru all this crap

brighter minds than i have practical solutions above...i just offer support

[vercetti2021]

58. Thank you

That was kind of funny since I drink Bud Light sometimes myself. But we've been documenting everything since he got into my step dad's face

[spike jones]

53. "What's He Building?"- Tom Waits on edit posted above n/t

[cab67]

59. Has anyone contacted animal control?

Leaving a dog in extreme heat with no water is beyond cruel.

[vercetti2021]

64. We did

We never knew if they came out or not. Never heard a follow-up, sadly that dog that passed away from the owners negligence. The dog chased a squirrel and he had some ropes attached from one side of his fence the other and the dog ran into it and broke his neck.

[bedazzled]

95. if they ever abuse an animal agsin call the police instead

don't know where you are but in Florida they come immediately

[vercetti2021]

97. Texas

[cab67]

170. I've lived in Austin and the Dallas area

In both cases, animal control seemed fairly responsive to reports of abuse or cruelty. I do realize responsiveness is not going to be uniform across the state.

Someone like your neighbor simply should not have pets. (Sounds from what you've written that he probably shouldn't be at liberty, either.)

[vercetti2021]

185. I agree he shouldn't

I mean the guy has kids as well so who knows what he does to them too

[Bernardo de La Paz]

60. Any time he mistreats his dog, call the SPCA and let them handle it. . . . . . nt

[Bernardo de La Paz]

63. Make allies w all his neighbors, even across street. You can't be only one affected. . . . nt

[vercetti2021]

69. I'm sure we're not

I'm not sure what the neighbors next to him think. I'm sure he just has it out with us because we had issues with him since he moved in

[Bernardo de La Paz]

83. Go make friends with ALL the neighbors & find out. They may be wondering same thing about you.

Plus they may have some ideas too.

[moondust]

68. Ever call the cops?

Don't know if you'd want to get them involved but...one possibility is having them come over to look at the beer cans in your yard or the nails in the driveway and explaining the situation--just to get something on record. Treat it like minor vandalism or something, no hurry. Don't know how the neighbor would react if he saw you with police and put 2+2 together.

Maybe he's trying the old "harass 'em until they leave" trick that conservatives sometimes use on the poor and minorities.

[vercetti2021]

73. He can harass all he wants

Not going to leave over that guy. We've been here for decades longer... but taking the advice from other members I'm thinking about checking into Ring and a few others surveillance methods

[onetexan]

71. i'm assuming you don't have an HOA who would fine the guy for beer cans and leaving the dog out

causing noise ordinance. I would definitely put up cameras, document every previous encounter with him where he's been threatening, and every incident going forward. I would advise you then to forward what you've documented so far to the police to put them on notice that this guys is a threat to your family, request they slap a permanent restraining order so he cannot cross into your yard, and request that the police patrol your street more often.
I can empathize as i am surrounded by trump supporters, some of them fanatic though i've not had any incident yet personally. They come to our HOA meetings ranting and complaining as though they own the neighborhood. One of them even called our indian neighbors 'osami bin ladens'. Sad.

[vercetti2021]

79. Yeah we don't have a homeowners association

Will try definitely the documents things better with surveillance. I got some good suggestions from a few folks here so I will take it and definitely look into it getting something better.

But it's sad how people think they own and run the neighborhood. I probably would have said something if my neighbors ever said something about our minority neighbor's.

[Vinnie From Indy]

75. Go get a wildlife trail camera

$60.00. They make excellent surveillance cameras. Motion detectors, infrared, video etc.

[vercetti2021]

92. Oh shit really?

Well I got lots of options from some people here I will check into it now. Thank you

[Bernardo de La Paz]

78. Psych warfare with for sale sign and actors

Put up a FSBO sign (For Sale By Owner). Let your neighbor know that you have a gay married couple interested who just love dogs.

When your neighbor is sure to see, have a car drive up with a gay pride flag on the antenna and a couple of flamboyantly dressed actors get out and make a fuss taking photos and spending some time inside and then out in the back yard with loud exclamations about a great spot for the hot tub and how they can have lots of visitors and parties.

Repeat the exercise with a hippy dippy van blaring loud Grateful Dead music.

[vercetti2021]

88. Why do I need actors?

I have a ton of gay friends

[Bernardo de La Paz]

118. Cool! They can over-act according to worst-fear stereotypes!

Another idea: neighbor may be racist. Have a couple of low-rider or other stereotypical cars roll up with mariachi / gangsta rap music blaring and out come two or three families with lots of kids and two to five adults; people of color. Same routine: loud talking about things that will make the neighbor fearful you are moving out and being replaced by his worst nightmares.

[vercetti2021]

122. That's an idea

Or I can throw a big gay Bash at my house! Because I also have lesbian and transgender friends and I love all of them I mean we're going to turn my house into a rainbow of happiness

[Bernardo de La Paz]

129. That's the spirit! Maybe even have a neighborhood block party the same way.

You might be able to get the neighbor to move instead of you.

Fly a large rainbow flag. And an islamic crescent.

Put up signs on telephone poles etc saying "This NEIGHBORHOOD welcomes LGBTQ" !

You could also do the FSBO tricks with families of orthodox jews or burka wearing muslims.

[vercetti2021]

131. Okay I don't want the guy to end up shooting up the neighborhood

That would probably trigger him to do it.

[narnian60]

85. I couldn't get past the dog without water part.

Did you call any animal organization on him? Wish someone would take the dog from him! What an ass.

[vercetti2021]

86. We did call the ASPCA

But we never heard back from them or a follow up. Sadly this dog passed away because of him.

[extvbroadcaster]

96. Same thing

See my previous post about my parents lovely neighborhood. Animal abuse was typical. Neighbors would leave dogs tied to trees and posts, no shelter, no water. If you actually tried to help the animal, they would either attack you or give you the "mind your own fucking business and it's my fucking dog" speech. As we were finally cleaning out my parents home, it came a horrible rain storm. I looked out the back, and a neighbor had a dog tied to a tree. The dog sat in the rain, looking despondent and sad. In our back yard was an old dog house, left over from one of our pets. We were selling and leaving, and I took a chance. I went out back, knocked on the neighbors door and explained we were leaving and I would give them the doghouse. I emphasized the "free" part, if it even cost a dollar they would let the dog get rained on. I dragged it over and put it where the dog could get inside. It was probably the last interaction I had there with a neighbor, and I can console myself that I tried to do what was right. But the moral of the story is the same. Move.

[vercetti2021]

126. I can move

My parents can't though. My mom will not leave over someone like that she's as liberal as you can get and she is a fighter

[narnian60]

200. Thank you for at least trying to help that dog.

At least it's not suffering anymore. Good luck with that bastard of a neighbor.

[vercetti2021]

210. Thank you

Sadly they got another dog though, but they don't leave him outside in the heat or cold like their last one

[CountAllVotes]

127. Move

I agree!

A number of years ago I was living in an apt. and I did not know that the creepo neighbors were the members of a religious cult (Sri Chinmoy who is now dead). The harassment began the day I moved in (cards being slipped under the door with a picture of this freak on them). Soon, I realized they were feeding the sewer rats that lived in the yard! What a great thing to look at while eating your dinner (the kitchen overlooked the backyard where the rats lived en bulk).

It was creepy as all hell and the lease was broken and I moved. It cost me a lot of money that did but my god, being harassed by anything Sri Chinmoy is beyond crazy!

So, moved yes and the new place was so much better and had a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge to go w/it!

[vercetti2021]

186. That's great it worked out for you

I would move but the thing is I wouldn't want to leave my parents behind. I would rather stay and protect them

[CountAllVotes]

199. Well if they like it there

I guess you stay there eh?

Best of luck whatever happens.

[duforsure]

91. Get video and document everything

Especially the threats and dumping onto your property, then call the police to further document. After cleaning up from him dumping , send him a bill to pay, or he'll be taken to small claims courts for costs. He'll then be in front of a judge answering his bad behavior problems, not just you or your family. Save some empty beer cans not disturbing his finger prints letting him know in your letter, and document , document, document. If he pays the bill and continues, increase your bill for his dumping cleanup, and if he still dumps onto your property. Also call a local judge for advise what to do. I have done this and they were very helpful with suggestions. He'll either get the message and stop, or be answering to a judge in small claims court, or criminal court if it escalates. The dog issue, call animal control if he's in violation, and more documentation if it goes to court. Don't throw anything onto his property, and say nothing to him, and ignore him. Video's are also great to have supporting your case, and you never know law enforcement may have him evaluated , and be behind you once they realize he is a threat. I've been their too. Good luck.

[duforsure]

94. Forgot

Use your cell phone to record anything he says to you when you're on your property , or going inside. You can record the audio if the camera's aren't close enough to get it.

[Siwsan]

99. I don't know about Texas, but in Michigan we pay a 10 cent deposit on beverage cans

So I'd be redeeming all of the cans found in my yard, and then either buy myself a treat and send him a thank you note, or donate the money to a Democrat's campaign and hope THEY send him a thank you note.

[vercetti2021]

101. Hmm

I might have to check... if that's the case I will gladly recycle his cans

[lunasun]

102. Maybe a 6 or 8 foot privacy fence it only has to run a couple yards where

he is throwing stuff and will send a message plus for the 10 foot run he is out of the picture
You do not have to do the whole property line it is merely acting as a blind in that area

[avebury]

105. If you can afford it have security cameras

Installed that will record what he is doing.

[WhiteTara]

106. I wouldn't put signs out in my yard

I'd find like minded people and put the signs in their yards. Your safety is more important that advertising your political pick. But maybe I'm just a coward?

[vercetti2021]

108. No you're just cautious

I'm not really afraid of people

[Renew Deal]

111. Time for some cameras

And maybe a ring doorbell type system. Couldn’t hurt to move, but that is hard. You might also have some luck if he is a renter.

[vercetti2021]

120. I hope he moves soon

I don't care if he is a renter or not. But moving is out of the question

[Renew Deal]

135. Check out the Ring doorbell

And it’s competitors. It’s a low profile camera that streams to the internet and your phone. Put one on the front door. If there is a door on his side, put one there too. Or spend money on a real system, but then the cameras are obvious.

[The Wizard]

115. Sign him up for a NAMBLA membership (NT)

[vercetti2021]

117. Wouldn't surprise me if he wasn't already a member...

Who knows

[Bernardo de La Paz]

121. All that sawing & building may be for cages for captive women / kids. . . . . . nt

[vercetti2021]

124. Okay if he does any work today I am going to film it

Because I already went outside this morning and there was more beer cans.

I'm going to take a picture later in the afternoon and post it in the OP

[Tipperary]

264. Surely the cops can have a word with him about the can throwing.

I would think that would qualify as trespassing.

[brewens]

133. I'd say he's excavated a secret room under his house and building a dungeon. No doubt

planning on kidnapping you and keeping you captive down there.

[Blue_true]

171. Or he is building an underground fortress so he can shoot it out with the gubmint.

That seems to be their near orgasmic fantasy, facing down a tyrannical government.

[Liberal In Texas]

137. You might put up at least a 6 foot wood fence betwen your back yards.

Fences are supposed to stop at the front edge of the house, but it might help with the beer cans he throws in the yard.

[GulfCoast66]

138. You need a Door Buzzard.

In all seriousness just ignore the guy.

Get a camera system and make sure he sees it being installed.

If he ever comes over raging and confronts you, unarmed, go across his head with a 2x4.

Only way to handle a bully is to put fear in them. Then they will leave you alone.

Conservatives often make the mistake of assuming liberals are pacifist.

One final thing I might try. This 4th of July buy him a case of bud light and wish him happy Independence Day. It just might work.

[ret5hd]

142. A Tom Waits song made EXACTLY for this situation:

[Locrian]

144. what about your other neighbors???

Is it just you and him or are there others?

Chances are - he's pissed others off too. Strength in numbers.

[vercetti2021]

191. The bad thing is

I don't know a lot of my neighbor's. I'm not sure how the neighbors next to him are treated by the guy but yeah we don't have like a lot of neighbors we know

[MineralMan]

145. If you can't, or are unwilling, to move. Document things.

1. Someone suggested a game camera. That's a good idea. But get a good one, not the cheapest one. They have motion detectors and low light capabilities. But, you need one with high resolution, so spend a little more. You can find these anywhere hunting gear is sold. Install it where it gets a good view of problem areas, and then review the images regularly.

2. Do not provoke that neighbor or taunt him. Just go about your business, and document his behavior carefully.

3. Do not call the police too often. Call only if there is something to report that is at least a misdemeanor. Police departments stop paying attention if someone calls them too often about a crazy neighbor.

4. Document everything. Did I say that already?

[HipChick]

146. I had a neighbor like that...last thing she tried was setting fire to my home..

She was bat-shite crazy - accused me of pouring milk on her car....I told her,if it was me, I would have used acid not milk...

She paid way too much for her home, was only stayed there for 9 months, before the bank took it back...but tried to make my life hell while she was there..


DU'er have provided some good advice here...

[femmocrat]

149. My sympathies.

We lived next to a drunken lunatic for 17 years. Finally, he moved away. No one (township, dog catcher, etc.) would help us, but living out in the country, there aren't many resources. We did erect a tall privacy fence.

My advice, stay out of his way. Leave his dog alone. If the dog is in danger, call an animal control agency. Keep your eyes open and be on guard for hazards. Do not engage him in any way. He loves getting under your skin, so pretend he doesn't exist. As for the beer cans.... take a photo then throw them away.

Record anything that seems threatening in case you need it for evidence. Work with local authorities if you can. Do not provoke him.

[vercetti2021]

215. I wouldn't provoke him

Never have outside of general concerns. This guy is absolutely unhinged.

Sorry you dealt with your own crazy. Least your situation was solved.

But thank you for the advice.

[Tipperary]

267. Putting dead mice in his yard sounds like provocation to me.

[vercetti2021]

268. Eh doubt he'd know where they came from

Only did it a few times, gotta be young and dumb at one point. But since then I've switched to live traps so I can take them out to the country.

[LiberalBrooke]

151. Get cameras.

I think you are right to be concerned. Try not to engage with him at all, including throwing cans back in his yard. You do need to have a security system that documents his behavior. Seriously, I would consider moving if that is possible. Red flags are flying.

[Grins]

158. Get security cameras installed & record everything

They are not expensive anymore, and even if they were, in your case, I’d still install them. And give copies of anything shady to the police with a copy to my lawyer. Now - THEY are on notice!l

[Orange Free State]

159. I am surprised no one suggested this one

If he likes alcohol so much, make sure he gets a lot of it. Send him cases and cases of beer. The problem will solve itself.

[Corgigal]

161. I will tell you what we did.

It worked.

Call Secret Service, they store a database on people and they want to know who to keep a eye on. We had a guy in the neighborhood that was freaking everyone out, I don't want to print on here why it tipped us all. I just read about the Secret Service database, and I was kind of surprised that they do respond to this. No, I had no evidence of any threat to the President or elected officials. They did respond, don't know what they did and asshole moved away.

Until then, get cameras in your yard. He's gonna be looking for them, so be creative.

Any questions, ask.

[vercetti2021]

190. Hmm

Interesting but nonetheless that doesn't surprise me. Cameras got it, will look into it

[Blue_true]

162. Guy sounds like a psycho.

Don't see much you can do. You can get him for littering with the beer cans, but that may set him off. I am no fan of gun, but sounds like it would be prudent to have a standard hunting rifle around.

[vercetti2021]

192. Well we do have a gun

This guy is kind of the reason why I did. But I don't want to use it unless it's the absolute last option

[Blue_true]

221. Look, if you confront the guy with a gun, at that point, there are no other options.

I really think that you should talk to your parents about selling the house and moving to a saner place. The guy does not sound rational. Does he even try to communicate in a two way fashion? If not, the best move for your family looks like moving to me.

[vercetti2021]

222. I don't plan on a gun point confrontation

My parents won't move because the mortgage is nearly paid.

[Blue_true]

224. If you live in a nice area, your house is likely worth more than a good alternative home.

Do yourself a favor, look into a house exchange where you sell your current home and not hurt your parents on the Mortage exchange. That beats a gunfight with a fucking psycho.

[vercetti2021]

225. I've tried

She said we were here first, before I was born. She'll fight tooth and nail for her home

[marlakay]

167. We had neighbor like that

When we lived in small town in country. They were from small town and we were from CA.

Neighbor would get drunk and come over and yell at us for a tumble weed blowing from our yard to his, our sprinkler got water on his car from being a bit in our shared driveway. We both had our own driveways but they went into a shared one that went to street.

He insisted his friend do the snow removal and we found out years later after we moved he charged us more way more than anyone else.

We were trying to be nice especially being from CA!

One night I heard noise at 2am went out and saw nothing, next morning I saw neighbor had taken our light bulb out. He had told us he didn’t like our light as it shined on his house a acre away. Our light was motion detector so not on often. I knew it was neighbor from footprints going towards his house.

Stupid stuff, other neighbors screamed at my husband about Obamacare and he’s not political felt good to move out stuck in between two crazy right wingers.

They would listen to Rush Limbaugh while weeding which drove my husband crazy so he put a stop to that by playing Howard Stern. After that only music, lol.

[vercetti2021]

193. Why does it seem like it's always the drunk ones that are nuts

It's like they love to come and try to pick fights with everybody. Jesus man

[marlakay]

194. And they give good Christians bad name

As both neighbors went to church and bible studies between yelling at us over nothing and getting drunk. We don’t go to church so were the “evil” ones.

We live in a pretty conservative town now and my neighbors are all friendly so far, been here since September.

I haven’t brought up politics and neither have any of them.

[vercetti2021]

195. I think the guy is Catholic

Because he's displayed his church that he goes to and that's a Catholic Church in the area.

But hey at least you don't have to deal with it

[marlakay]

197. Not the reason we moved but yes

Glad to be done with it. We had built home we really couldn’t afford once property tax went way up.

[vercetti2021]

208. That's a shame

But home is where you make it

[bluecollar2]

260. How about a conversation with his priest?

Call his priest and ask him when the Catholic church threw the Beatitudes in the trash.

[vercetti2021]

263. Isn't it illegal to drink as a catholic?

[bluecollar2]

269. Not that I'm aware of

But then I'm C of E but I never saw much of a difference between the two growing up.

Maybe if you can find out which church he goes to you can have a quiet word with his priest...

[SoCalMusicLover]

168. I Hope We Don't See This On ID's "Fear They Neighbor"

Sounds like a potential upcoming episode.

[vercetti2021]

187. Well now I got to watch it

Yeah I wouldn't want to be on any show like that

[nini]

175. Get a restraining order on file

Get it on record with the courts what this jerk is doing. The security cameras are a must do.

[DFW]

176. Texas doesn't have a monopoly on nuts like this, but we have plenty of them.

Plenty of them have loaded guns inside the house, too. If they snap--and it sounds like this guy is on the verge--they use them. First on the ones they feel have offended them (that's you), and then on themselves. Unfortunately, usually in that order, too. I'd take this guy as a serious lethal threat until proven otherwise. Do what you can, but avoid personal contact unless it's daylight and there are a lot of witnesses around.

[vercetti2021]

216. Reason I got protection too

If he snaps, least I'd have a fighting chance. But it's a last resort and would be if it was an absolute necessary

[Lil Missy]

177. He's a drunk. Drunks behave stupidly.

[vercetti2021]

189. I can agree with that

I've had moments like that myself. But I'm a happy drunk

[Liberty Belle]

178. Get a restraining order, after obtaining proof of threats and trespass.

Make clear if he comes on your property, you would consider it trespass.

Then if he does it again, cops have grounds to arrest him.

Honestly, it may not be worth the risk to put signs up that would be flame bait for him. Maybe make a donation to your favorite campaign instead of spending money on signs.

[vercetti2021]

188. Well I don't want to be intimidated

I mean I had a big Obama flag on my door during the 2012 election and he didn't seem to mess with it. But looking into these surveillance systems like ring I think I'm going to get it and make sure if anything happens I'll have it on record

[MerryBlooms]

196. We use the Ring camera system.

Our video has been used by police to identify a hit and run driver, and theft.

[TheBlackAdder]

198. Building something? Like an under-the-garage torture camber? Anybody in town go missing lately?

Get some X10 units or some of those mostion-activated deer cameras and mount them to alert you if someone is on your property. The X10 remote cameras can send a live video feed whenever they are tripped.

[Turbineguy]

201. So there would be some delicious satisfaction

in making this guy realize he's a fool. Like asking his advice, "Where do you recommend I go to buy some guns?"

But there's old street wisdom that says, "Don't fuck with the crazy guy!"

De-escalate, be polite, minimize contact. Pick your battles. After he shoots you or your family, he will no doubt, feel remorse.

[vercetti2021]

204. He'd like to try

But I have a gun too. So it'd end in one of us dying, whatever it takes to protect my folks

[Tipperary]

265. I cannot believe Im reading this casual discussion of murder right here on du.

You seem to believe violent confrontation is inevitable, but for some reason moving is out of the question ? Apparently you believe dying is a real possibility, but moving is just out of the question?I must be missing something here.

[vercetti2021]

266. I don't think I could ever imagine it either you know?

But as my mother says. We were here first and the guy is obviously unhinged since he has already threatened us more than once without hesitation. So while violence isn't an option from my end, it is on his obviously.

I do whatever it takes to prevent any confrontation, but if worst comes to worst...then hopefully the police can intervene quickly.

[elleng]

202. Creepy alcoholic 'conservative' reasons for concern.

Be cautious, and good luck.

[vercetti2021]

209. Yeah it does

Thank you. Also no sign of him today...like he just vanished

[elleng]

211. Good.

[vercetti2021]

212. It's kinda creepy though

Just no where in sight.

[ucrdem]

214. Sounds horrible.

What is it with neighbors anyway. Sounds like he's fixated on you based on RW media memes of evil liberals. You can't undo that but possibly you can change the subject i.e. let his attention wander elsewhere so if he does something violent it won't be toward you. I guess that means no additional signage and maybe make the existing ones less visible to him so he doesn't stare at them all day.

If he's religious that might be something to strike up a politically neutral short conversation about, like, so what are you doing for Easter, or something related to a coming national holiday like 4th of July. Not a long convo mind you but something bland to help him move on to some other obsession.

Also it sounds like you might outlast him as he doesn't seem well at all. Good luck and stay safe.

[vercetti2021]

233. Thank you

Mean he can think I'm evil, but I don't hurt people...an evil person wouldn't try to help a defenseless animal that was neglected by their owner. But moron thought it was trespassing which is was. But you don't leave a dog out in that sort of heat.

But I just ignore him most the time, most of us do.

[ucrdem]

258. The 39 Steps

That's the Hitchcock classic where the hero and the blonde who hates him wind up on the run from police while handcuffed at the wrists. I only saw it once, in a Belgian hotel while waiting for my wife to finish in the bathroom, and it was in French, but I knew what it was as soon as I saw that bit which is famous. Anyway that's what having an obnoxious neighbor is like. You can't escape from each other, and the best you can hope for doesn't often happen LOL, so you have to come to some accommodation to avoid being driven round the bend. Did you say that you shared a driveway right-of-way or was that someone else in the thread? That would make it even more horrible, but I still wouldn't rule out the possibility of it all blowing over at some point when he realizes that he's got better things to do than annoy his neighbors, if there's a way to gently help make that happen.

p.s. or ungently. Once I had a neighbor who decided he wanted to rent my house and got his dogs to bark incessantly to drive me out of it. I put up with it a couple of months because I liked the guy and didn't realize what he was up to. I finally left for a few days and when I got back I realized something was up so I had a chat and told him that if he didn't keep his dogs out of the front yard I'd report his illlegal chickens to the city and they'd come and kill them. They would have too as there was a bird virus going around and they were going after unlicensed chickens in a big way. Well, that was the end of the barking dogs.

[vercetti2021]

259. Wish I could do that

Mean ok I won't lie. Any mice we've caught in our house, we dump the dead ones in his yard. Ok so I've gotten my taste in revenge somehow.

[trueblue2007]

218. CALL THE COPS !!!!!! use common sense, he is harrassing and threatening you. Call Police Now.

[vercetti2021]

234. I can't just call the police

I need to get some video evidence of him littering or doing vandalism. I am using common sense by taking the many suggestions of better surveillance.

[pnwmom]

239. When you know he's at the door, put your cell phone in your shirt pocket,

and when you open the door, record the conversation. And get a phone with a recording device so you can record his calls.

Texas is a "one party consent" state so you don't need his consent.

And save any threatening notes he leaves you. They're evidence.

[vercetti2021]

246. Like use the video or the audio?

I mean the video is easy because you can get something but it can be obstructed

[pnwmom]

254. If the video on your celi is easier then use it, but the audio part of the video

is what is important -- his verbal threats -- even if the picture is obstructed.

[vercetti2021]

257. Ok

I'll do my best with that, I just hope it doesn't come to that.

[askyagerz]

219. Buy a flamethrower

And go outside and play with it a lot while screaming yeeeeehaaaaa. He will stop messing with you pretty quick like

[vercetti2021]

235. Lmao

Yeah that'd be something. He'll probably call the police on me for looking like a psycho.

[Denzil_DC]

220. "He put the bowl on our porch with a message written on it saying he was going to shoot us

if we ever stepped foot on his property again."

Do you still have the message? If so, take it to law enforcement NOW. If not, that's a shame, you should have at least taken a photo of it.

As others have said above, if you're not already doing so, keep timed records of any oddities, threats etc.

Don't be tempted to play headgames with him. The stakes are potentially too high.

[vercetti2021]

237. I made a post about it on here when it happened orginally

We still have the bowl, but when we originally filed a report. They said they really couldn't do much since we trespassed on his property and living in Texas, you can legally shoot someone that is on your property.

Taking records and trying to get video proof of him littering or vandalizing would be the best method.

[RandySF]

226. Keep a phone handy

And I will put money down that there's domestic abuse going on in the house.

[vercetti2021]

232. Maybe

He does have kids, most of them already teenagers. But it could be possible.

[brush]

227. Print this out and call the cops. Give it to them asap.

[vercetti2021]

231. Waiting for more evidence

I need video proof of the littering first or placing nails behind our tires. Then I'll go to the police.

[Tipperary]

242. He threatened shooting you in writing?

Surely the cops took that seriously?

[vercetti2021]

248. Well since we trespassed on his property we couldn't do anything about it

In Texas you're in every right to shoot someone on your property if you feel threatened

[Lee-Lee]

243. Coming from a former cop-

The calls for video cameras are spot on. Video cameras in areas where the house can be used to mount them and cover all entrances and parking areas.

Game cameras are a great addition for areas where you want coverage but don’t have line of sight from the house or power.

Document everything! Buy a bound day planner type book and record everything, even if it seems insignificant. It may be significant later and having it documented contemporaneously will carry more weight for an investigation or charges than coming from memory.

Familiarize yourself with the laws in your state for trespassing, stalking, communication of threats, etc. Know exactly where the line is. Know what the elements of every offense are to know what to look for and what to document in his patterns of behavior.

You say he drinks a lot. Don’t be afraid to call and report a drunk driver if you see him driving after you have seen him drinking. Write down his tag numbers and have them handy to make it easier. A lot of these career drunks have enough tolerance it’s not obvious when your behind them that they are over the limit, an anonymous call that the person has been drinking all day and just drove away gives them call to watch him more closely and do a stop for something minor to see if he is intoxicated. If I got a tip from dispatch a vehicle may be DUI and I see them make a turn with no blinker or stop at a light over the line or roll a stop sign I normally wouldn’t bother with a stop for those, but if there is a chance the person is DUI I would to allow me to further investigate.

Pay for a full background check on the guy. It’s worth $15-30 it to know who you are dealing with. If you see any felonies, any misdemeanor convictions that he could have been sentenced to over a year for regardless of sentence he received or anything with domestic violence that means under Federal and state law he is not eligible to own firearms. If this is the case and you know for a fact now or in the future that he is report it to both local authorities and the BATFE. 99.9% chance the BATFE won’t do a damm think because they rarely act in cases like that (and it’s a shame) but local authorities probably will with state charges.

Since you said you don’t know your neighbors well- time to change that. You mentioned you have had your vehicles tampered with, use that as a pretext to go around and talk them and see if anyone is interested in forming a neighborhood watch program. Even if the idea doesn’t go anywhere you can learn if anyone else has had similar things happen and also make your neighbors more likely to come to you if they do observe anything.

[vercetti2021]

249. That's a lot of great suggestions all around

Surveillance camera I am working on getting. A background check actually doesn't sound too bad because we do know what his name is we've gotten his mail before.

[Lee-Lee]

252. You can also get his name from property records

Virtually every county in the US has those records online, unless his home is a rental or in a trust his full name will be there.

Then google his full name with the address and you will find enough info to get his date of birth, at least year.

Stalk Facebook, many people are stupid enough to make their birthday visible to the public when signing up.

In some states DOB is also public in voter records, so check that too.

Between all those you can easily get his full name and at least year of birth if not full date.

From there a background check is easy, many companies will do them in the $20-25 range.

You can also get most of what that would find with some aggressive use of google for free. Google his name and DOB, name and city, name + arrest, name + mugshot. Check publicly available records on state websites in your state and where he has lived. If you are not practiced at this you can miss stuff, but I do those kind of checks for a living so I know the tricks but I still use the paid services since my employer pays for an annual subscription.

If you have any questions on specifics feel free to PM me.

[McCamy Taylor]

247. Send this one to the NRA. Maybe they can use it to get liberals to buy guns.

[vercetti2021]

250. Haha

I own a gun and I would never join the NRA. No one that is sane would join the NRA