...to ask how you would handle this anti-social behaviour?

[SuitcasesFullofBooze]

Name change for this as possibly outing.

I live in a block of flats in London. Downstairs on the other side of the road is a spot where a busker has now taken up residence. It’s almost directly opposite my window!

All day he plays his accordion attached to a portable speaker system. It’s the same despondent song, over and over again. We’re talking 5 or 6 hours every day. It's loud and we hear it in every room of the flat.

I’m WFH and it’s driving me crazy. Seriously. I even hear the tune when he’s gone, ringing through my ears. It’s the first thing I think of in the morning, wondering if he’s going to appear that day and I won’t be able to get anything done. When the busker appears on a weekend like today DS8, who I guess has picked up on my distress, gets upset and cries and says make it stop!! I don’t know how to help.

I’ve asked the police to move him on and the council have been out and spoken to him. But he still comes back, several days a week. How would you handle this?

I had this. Does he play the theme from The Godfather all the time?

Sounds awful. No wonder you are hearing the tune all the time. I had the same with some other noises at home. Hope you manage to get some peace and quiet soon!

Head out the window and join in. Badly.
He may pop off to find a better backing singer!!

I would get together with your neighbours and all sign something that way it’s a community complaint and not just falling on one person. Send it to your local MP and ask for it to be escalated as it’s affecting your quality of life.

Keep a diary for this week going forward of the times and how often he plays. Get all your neighbours to individually ring and report every day.

Start recording the music - walk past as if going to shops and take pics.

Is there are a particular reason he stands there? Are you near a train station?

Emphasise the gang issue to the police, that might make them more interested in pursuing this.

I know exactly which gang he is part of. They ply the Piccadilly Line playing dirges on their accordions. They've been at it forever decades.

A long range water gun

Some success! You clever mumsnetters made me look and I found I can report anti social behaviour to the council without giving my address.

Just sent one! Now I can log it every time it happens.

@sausagebap had to check on youtube, but no. does sound a lot like it though. just sad and whiny.

@bringbacksideburns I am keeping a diary. Didn't think of MP, I should do that.

A bucket of cold water should work.

Maybe drop a 'stink bomb' in his vicinity. Each day. Until he goes elsewhere. I know it's a childish suggestion, but desperate times, desperate measures?

A busker without a license is a beggar - there’s no difference in the law! Just report the begging every day to the Police and eventually he’ll get the message.

Totaly agree @JenniferAlisonPhilippaSue. It's begging and a damn nuisance.

@parchedjanuary i might do this..

Yes stink bomb his ‘pitch’ and report the annoying fucker every time !!!!!

You could email your local councillors too. Elections are coming up so they ought to be keen to be Doing Something.

Water balloons. Paintballs + a slingshot

What a good idea @Nevermindful. Why didn't I think of these.

Does he make much money where he is?

@RedHelenB I don't know tbh. He uses a small cup and I rarely anyone drop money, so perhaps no.

I think the continued council complaint route with an accompanying diary record is a good bet.

My less sensible suggestion (don't try it, would never actually do it but can dream) would be to borrow a sound system /huge speakers and counter blast him with either something that lends itself to loud spectacle like Ride of the Valkyries or 1812 Overture or something immensely annoying like the Madagascar version of I like to move it, move it or Baby Shark. Every. Bloody. Time.

You say he's across the road, is that too far for a bucket of water?

Leaflet your block and neighbouring buildings with details of the anti-social behaviour form and ask people to send a complaint every time it happens.

Get your local police station to agree to send a PCSO around regularly.

You need as many people complaining as possible, basically.

That sounds horrendous. I am in London and I know exactly what you mean - these guys operate all over London and they are involved in begging gangs. It definitely is a type of very anti social begging and the police/council should be doing more about it.

@MrsToothyBitch your name is well-deserved! Wish I could do it!

@NoSquirrels yep am trying to get a number for the PCSO so I can call whenever he appears

@Notcontent Thanks, yes you see it a lot and it's definitely gangs.

Anyone have experience putting together a diary of the incidents?