We live next door but one to a ginnel, which youths from miles around use to get to a playing field. We have lived here 17 years, and we have had some anti social behaviour on our estate which was mildly annoying, but not intimidating or scary.
Last summer, the kids (15 /16 ish) started thumping on our door and running either up the ginnel, or down our close, irritating but hey we have all done it as kids.
Then a couple of months ago it escalated to these youths proper booting our door so hard it has actually cracked one of the panels.
It isn't a cheap flimsy door, so I was really pissed off.
Our drive is open with no gates, so we are an easy target.
We never EVER engaged with them, as they want a reaction.
We installed a Dekco security camera (Amazon £40) that's linked to our phones, and luckily got the little (big) twats on film. We rang 101 and explained the situation, they asked if we felt harassed -yes, did we feel targeted -yes. They also said that the cracked door would be listed as criminal damage.
I had rang on a Friday, and on the following Tuesday a the police officer from the anti social behaviour unit called to see us. We downloaded the clips, and he said he was going up to the local comp to see if the kids could be identified. If so, he 'would have a word' with them.
This week has been bliss, kids are still going to the field, still being noisy, that I can deal with. The ones who were on camera have not been anywhere near. Result!
Apologies for the long post, I just want you to know calling 101 does work, I am not the biggest fan of the police, but I have to say we feel as though we have been listened to. The cameras are great for peace of mind, tonight I had my phone next to me, and there were 5 or 6 lads on their bikes mucking about, and one actually rode up our drive, I pressed the really loud alarm on the camera, and I have never seen kids skidaddle as quick!