Children on my front wall

[LighthouseTheme]

I have a small wall (2 feet high maybe) at the front edge of my garden. The garden itself is small anyway - three big slabs width from the porch/front door (with a set back area under the front window, and a gated path down the side of the house to the back). There is also a low gate that I had put on as the fact that the path slopes slightly and there is no barrier between my neighbours, meant that it was sometimes used for scooters. [I do feel a diagram might help...]

It has only been in this last year that I have done much to the front - as it is south facing and almost any plants will certainly die. But I now have some hardy-ish ones in planters, a wreath on the side gate and a pear tree and honeysuckle trying their best on the side wall and high fence to the other side.

This last year, a new neighbour's daughter decided that the wall is perfect to walk along and jump off (I think she is 10). As my car is on the road outside, I would quite often see her do this. Despite having been friendly towards them, she often walks past and, without her mother seeing, and without looking back, gives me the finger gesture. I added some plants on the inside of the wall at two spots, making it pointless to walk along the full length of the wall, but she still did it, stepping on the leaves of the plants.

Tonight, I could hear loud voices right outside, and when I looked, a group of (definitely pre-teen) girls were on the wall, all facing my house, dancing and jumping around. There was definitely a goading feel to it - but I only (I think) know them by sight. By the time I had got myself together to go and speak to them, they had gone.

A little while later, I had gone out to my car, and two of them (plus a little boy, I think a brother) came back, not seeing me at first and climbing straight onto the wall. So, in the conversation we had, it seems that I have to let them do it as they "are kids", they want to learn to balance, I am unfair and spoiling their lives and basically what do I know, they can do what they want... oh, and I'm a Karen.

So, apart from this moan, I am at a loss. The wall covers the length front of both my house and next door and so at my side, there are the plants in pots at either "end", and usually a bowl of water for dogs on the pavement side. But nothing for the half of the length outside next door.

My pathetic passive-aggressive attempts to prevent it are obviously not enough to stop them - and I fully expect to be ramped up now - or worse (I live in/close to a not-so-great area - and have been burgled and bullied and targeted in the past); sadly, the behaviour even at the start seemed very "goady" anyway, so I don't doubt I have already done something to warrant it.

Oh, what to do?
And I don't really think IABU but maybe I should let them just carry on.... (which I don't want to do)

That's useful to know....🤓
They would no doubt come down on me like a ton of bricks if I did it overtly though.
And of course, retribution.

Hi Op,

Sorry if already suggested I've not read every reply.
I have a similar problem with kids just hanging around outside my house. My DD is only a toddler and she wakes up asking what the noise is outside her bedroom window. It's been constant some days and made me get the summer holidays!

Things that have deterred them;

• Getting a cheap doorbell camera. When they are basically standing on my doorstep, I can press the alarm button and they run for it.
• I found an old baby monitor camera and stuck it to my fence post. It doesn't work but they have noticed it and they don't walk up my driveway anymore.
• Letting my yapping dog bark non stop at the front door.
• Talk to neighbours. They will stick up for you. Mine have.
• Fitted cheap blinds that I pull right down in the evening to stop them looking in.
• If you know what time they usually hang around, get out there before them. I randomly clean my front door. You could lay tools all over the wall. Or spray it down with the hose so it's wet.

If it gets worse you could contact the local school if you can find out from their uniform. Unsupervised minors swearing at you....

No suggestions OP but noticed in your photo the little watering can that you leave for the little one next door. This is just so lovely and she will always remember that. That's what it's all about - that kindness. Block out the rest.

Yes, they don't have the right to do it and the OP doesn't want them to do it. I wouldn't kids walking on my wall. I do like the suggestion of a high wall on top but then you are shutting yourself in and will it affect your light? Fwiw I really do sympathise.

There used to be anti-loitering devices that you could install that emit a buzzing noise that only young people can hear and they find it unpleasant. I think it was called the mosquito or something like that. Maybe it's worth investigating and installing if you can find one!

@LighthouseTheme
Lord no, I have the mosquitone file on my phone......all it needs is a loudspeaker and mine was a freebee from somewhere.

@GirlMumGabby
Phew, it sounds awful at your house. I have no clue why they have so little consideration for others, and don't even stop when asked (and even get worse!).
I must be delusional.

Some great ideas - although doesn't your little dog create as much of a problem as he solves? (bless his little yappy heart). Your poor little girl, not fair on her at all.

I am just at this point, trying to pre-empt them, and have just come back from buying some really sturdy one foot by six foot (x 2) trellis and bronze coloured brackets. I can't decide whether to paint the same colour as the gate, or contrast... the little gate is cream with leaves painted on it. Hm...

Madness that any of it needs to be done, by you, or me.... I am telling myself that all that this is is me being motivated by their behaviour, to do something that I was going to anyway.

I have just bought some trellis that I will paint one of the colours of my other wooden things. It's making work for myself I know (annoyingly), and it will take a while anyway, so they will maybe not realise it's because of them.

Ah, thank you for saying that. She's getting the hang of it I think.

I’m petty and plant some poison ivory or oak.