I've had problems off and on with local children and teenagers for the past 5 years. Generally vandalising my hedge, kicking my door and throwing things at my window and the door, and into my garden. I've had sticks thrown at me and been surrounded and touched on the back at the local railway station.. But I've never ( yet) been actually assaulted.
The police have always said don't go out and confront them because you don't want to put yourself at risk. I don't go and confront them and the incident at the local station gave me a real fright as it was the first time I'd had a problem away from my home .
I've not had problems since the beginning of June but I'm quite aware things could kick off at any time. You are very right about the reporting of every single incident. That's what I've had to do every time when the problems have restarted. The police only take things seriously if you keep reporting.
I don't live in Edinburgh but I have been following quite closely the rise in anti social behaviour in Edinburgh because my son lives there and works in the city centre. He hasn't had problems himself although one of his colleagues out for a lunch time stroll ended up being knocked over in an altercation. He wouldn't report it despite being advised and encouraged to do so by the rest of the people in the office
It's all very worrying and depressing.