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AIBU?

Neighbours kids are targeting us to the point we don’t feel comfortable living here

111 replies

Rosie1990x · 14/10/2021 16:09

Hi everyone. I’m new here so wasn’t really sure where to post. If my thread shouldn’t be here please move it or ask me to remove it.

In august we moved to a new house in a quiet (so we thought) area. I had just been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour so we needed the peace and to move somewhere cheaper as my husband can only work part time now. We have two DS’s. 7 months and 19 months.

In the first month we met our neighbours attached to us who are lovely. They told us the kids on the street were sometimes an issue as they’re always allowed to roam freely and their parents aren’t really interested. They also mentioned the previous people who rented our house were ‘very well loved’ and ‘big characters of the street’ - we’re quite the opposite of this and prefer to keep ourselves to ourselves.

It’s now become apparent in the past month that the little boy who lives directly across from us is targeting our family and I’ve no idea what to do about it as he’s only around 10-11 years old. We have caught him numerous times throwing footballs up to our 1 year old sons window (which he has to come down our driveway to get to) in a bid to clearly wake him and cause distress. He KNOWS an infant is in that bedroom as we’ve heard him giggling about it with his friends. My husband has gone out before and asked what he’s playing at. He just runs off at the time but never stops.

Now he is becoming increasingly more abusive towards us. He shouts racial slurs at our house with his friends on the street (they’re all between 10-12 years old) and he has recently started following my poor, lovely husband calling him a paedophile. He literally screams at the top of his lungs that my husband is a Paedo!!
On another occasion he was loudly telling one of his friends outside our open bedroom window that his mum says we’re the street weirdos and none of them like us.

Last weekend we set a security camera up as someone keeps deflating my husbands car tyres. The camera points down onto our drive. Problem child saw this camera and got his friends together to chant that we were weirdos. When my husband is face to face with him (such as if he passes him in the street) the boy says nothing.

We’ve never bothered anyone on this street. We’re polite when spoken to but we don’t bother a single soul. We never would.

I don’t know how to approach this. The paedophile comments have really sent me as it is such a serious accusation. My husband is devastated.

Legally where do we stand with children committing this anti social behaviour? My husband has gone round to approach his parents but they’re literally never home. He’s about 10 and roams the streets alone pretty much all the time. He doesn’t appear to go to school.

Any input would be great.

Thanks.

OP posts:
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Theunamedcat · 14/10/2021 16:10

Contact the police

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Rosie1990x · 14/10/2021 16:14

Would the police do anything with a child as young? As I said he’s only 10-11 years old.

Thanks

OP posts:
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bigbluebus · 14/10/2021 16:14

I'd be contacting the police too. You'll be doing him a favour. Hopefully they can get services involved and give him a chance before he goes completely off the rails.

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itsgettingwierd · 14/10/2021 16:15

10 is the age of criminal responsibility.

The racial slurs are hate crime so get that reported.

Also mention the other stuff as it's really not on.

Agree with above poster if this kids is going to have a chance in life he needs intervention now. He sounds neglected and bored (which of course does not excuse his behaviour but just explains it) z

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skippy67 · 14/10/2021 16:17

Yes, the police would do something about this!

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Silverdorkinghen · 14/10/2021 16:17

I agree contact the police. They will have met this situation before and know how to advice support for you and options for resolution. They may recommend different steps to you or take difference steps themselves but I definitely think you need advice and support with this. Hope it all gets sorted and you can get the rest you need. I appreciate you’ve just moved there - is moving again an option?

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StayOrGoOrWhat · 14/10/2021 16:17

@Rosie1990x

Would the police do anything with a child as young? As I said he’s only 10-11 years old.

Thanks

Yes, they would. There isn’t anybody else you could contact. If they’re not the right people then they’ll point you in the right direction.
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JapanJetplane · 14/10/2021 16:18

It sounds like he needs social services involvement if he isn’t going to school and his parents aren’t around. I would contact the police too as they can make a social services referral if necessary.

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Cocolapew · 14/10/2021 16:18

Definitely police

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user1471538283 · 14/10/2021 16:19

Contact the police. 10 is the age of responsibility. If the police are involved so will social services which may help him. He clearly wants attention but he is not your child, you are not well and his parents need to address it.

I would also tell him off each time.

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Pesimistic · 14/10/2021 16:19

I second police, make a log of everything,don't interact with them just call the police

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EducatingArti · 14/10/2021 16:19

Your local PCSO might know this family and be well placed to address the issue.

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MrsTulipTattsyrup · 14/10/2021 16:19

Definitely call the police. If this is even partly racially motivated, as you indicate, then any criminal acts are classed as a hate crime, and punished accordingly. Damage to your property, and harassment, are matters for police.

It sounds like he’s learned this behaviour at home, so clearly trying to take it up with his parents isn’t going to work.

I’m so sorry that you’re having to deal with this when you are ill and want some peace. Get the police involved and pass the responsibility for solving this on to them.

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purpleme12 · 14/10/2021 16:20

I don't see another option other than get in contact with the police.
Sad for a 10 year old but if this is what's happening then you have to

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Inthesameboatatmo · 14/10/2021 16:21

Yes he is old enough to be dealt with by police and charged .
Racial abuse is abhorrent in any capacity and you shouldn't have to be subjected to that .
Call the police and keep a log of every tiny minute details as well as dates and times ,what child was wearing etc.
Have you got a ring doorbell op.
If not maybe worth investing in one .

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Snaketime · 14/10/2021 16:23

Call the police.

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PaperhouseLegs · 14/10/2021 16:25

I agree with contacting the police. The fact he isn't at school and clearly not being home educated as he roaming the streets at all hours with the parents never at home is a huge concern. If you have recordings of the racial slurs show the police these. In the meantime as hard as it is, I would pay as little attention as possible as that is what he wants....a reaction. He wants you to come out and chase him Continue, have an argument or get upset. Continue with the CCTV and write down every occasion of racist/abusive/destructive behaviour.

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CatsArePeople · 14/10/2021 16:26

Police and social services, apparently the child is being neglected.

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billy1966 · 14/10/2021 16:28

Absolutely call the police.

You should NOT be putting up with this awful behaviour.

Keep recording their behaviour.

It sounds really dreadful.

Flowers

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Chloemol · 14/10/2021 16:34

The age of criminal responsibility is 10

Call the police

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Lindy2 · 14/10/2021 16:41

Report it to the Police. The racist comments would be classed as a hate crime and prioritised.

The Police will most likely notify Social Services and get them involved.

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GreyhoundG1rl · 14/10/2021 16:44

@Rosie1990x

Would the police do anything with a child as young? As I said he’s only 10-11 years old.

Thanks

Absolutely. I mean, they won't arrest him, obviously, but he'll be spoken to. As will his skanky parents.
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HikingforScenery · 14/10/2021 16:55

Please call the police. They’ll probably send some police to patrol your area for a few days. Contact the police after every incident. You need a clear log of events .

I’m so sorry you’re going through this

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maddening · 14/10/2021 17:01

10 year old is age of criminal responsibility, call the police and get cctv with sound recording

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PaperhouseLegs · 14/10/2021 17:10
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