To not want him in my garden

[BillyNotQuiteNoMates]

I have a neighbour, (not next door, but opposite and down the road) who I know has some special needs. He lives alone, so obviously reasonably capable, and a job. I don't know what "label" his special needs would have. Just to put you in the picture.
He has a cat. His cat likes wandering. He likes to knwk where his cat is. This involves crawling around under the garden bushes (in my garden), under the trampoline, trying to get under my sons car (which if he scratches it, my son will kill him, as it's his pride and joy), walking down the side of my house as if it's a public right of way and looking in through my windows. (We have a gate, which is kept shut, at front and back, which he just opens and walks in) I frequently have friends children here to play. AIBU to not want him to just wander in my garden, and if so, how do I go about stopping him. I've asked nicely, and pointed out that it's my garden and that it isn't public property.

Cat

Thanks Billy. That's good to know.

Your explanation to him sounds very gentle but it may be it was too much language for him to process. User7755 has a good phrase, or even simpler "Not in my garden. Wait for the cat there." A visual cue may help him, like a laminated stop sign on the gate, and show it to him if you need to remind him. You can generally print those off from google images.

I agree with those who say you have to be up-front with him - at least try that first.
It sounds as if the poor man is lonely, but that's not your problem.

Is the car wandering or the man ??

Here's another saying ring the police. You and your dcc shd not have to worry about this am walking into your back garden and searching under whatever for his cat. And get a lock, cd be the kind that opens by number dial and give the postie the numbers.

I can understand your frustration but also empathise with this man feeling anxious if his cat (presumably his only permanent companion) is out of sight. I imagine he feels very responsible for the cat and might even have been warned that the cat will be taken away if he doesn't look after it properly, feeding it, keeping it clean, etc.

I would definitely advocate speaking to his carer or social worker or relatives. Also a pet "loc8or" device might help him feel less anxious (you could suggest it to him or the carer).

As another option, which might be way off, can you plant something NON POISONOUS in your garden which repels cats? I know nothing of cats nor gardening but perhaps there is a herb or plant that cats don't like and will stay away from??

I think I would try and speak to a relative/support worker before contacting the police. It seems as though he doesn't understand the problem rather than that he's going to break into your house and rob you or anything.

Also maybe suggest rattling a box of cat biscuits? Always gets my cat in.

Why are people suggesting the OP rings the police? Since when has annoyingly searching for your cat been a criminal offense?

FWIW, cats despise orange peel. Get through a family pack of satsumas, chuck the peel in the garden and that could be a cat deterrent...

I think he maybe just hearing ' that's fine '
He should have a social worker who you can contact if you don't know any relatives

Are you really telling me you would be happy for a man to continuously enter your garden, crawl around your car etc Littlemiss?

Do you think he may be abit lonely and is going to yours so much as his trying become friends? Or is he just interested in the cat?

And look in your windows? Sure you wd be fine with that!

Another one saying to call the police (non-emergency). SN aside this man is constantly trespassing on your property, and may potentially accidentally cause damage. The police will have the resources and the right to track down an speak to the relevant carers/SW/family etc.

Obviously if you are able to speak to a relative etc then do so, but I'm guessing that might not be as easy as some folk think.

He sounds harmless, maybe due to his sn worries too much about the cat.That said,you should not have to deal with anyone on your property you've not invited onto it.
How about suggesting he gets a GPS collar for his cat then he can track his pet via his phone/laptop...You'll both be happy.

Agree with others, just be straight, firm and honest with him. BTW, your son may have a problem if he's so precious about a car.

Trespass isn't a criminal offence so not sure why the police would be interested. He isn't casing your joint or threatening you. He's just looking for his cat. Police would ask why you don't get a lock.
Be clearer with him OP and more firm. No, he cannot come in your garden.

Community police do more than just catch criminals.

Sometimes it's a shortcut to appropriate support, because you've flagged up something officially.

And as for a SW for this chap, how is the OP supposed to find that out. This chap might not be able to tell the OP who it is.

Trespass is a criminal offence

Thanks all, at least everyone (or almost) is agreed that I'm not unreasonable to do SOMETHING about it. I'm not sure how to find out about family/ support workers (assuming he has one), unless I go to his workplace ( I worked there myself and am in touch personally with PM and immediate manager as friends, so wouldn't have to make an official complaint or anything) or the local police, who again I am friendly with.
To those few saying that I should be more undstanding, how would you feel about your child playing in a friends garden, knowing that a stranger may just walk through? I have no concerns about his honesty or safety, but it still doesn't feel right to me. And no, I'm not prepared to either stop my DC having friends round, or sitting in the garden all afternoon while they play.