So I wanted to get some advice on a bit of a problem I've been having with some petty criminals regularly coming into my property... It used to not be so bad with only cans of beer left behind and empty Maltesers and M&Ms bags. But lately the little thugs have stepped things up a notch.
The weekend before this they came by after midnight on the Friday night and ripped a side gate off the side of the house. They could have just unlocked the thing and passed right through mind you, but, rather they ripped the entire gate frame out and left the door lodged open enough so people can easily walk through (they might've taken the door with if it weren't so heavy).
They don't try to break into my place or anything so far as I can tell (the side gate is right next to a door in). And, even though my bedroom window looks directly at the gate I always have the drapes closed and have never heard a thing (I sleep very soundly...).
Anyhow, I lodged the door back into place since then. However, last night they were back and dislodged it again, ripping it even more out of the wall.. I've told my landlord both times and he says he's going to come by and bolt it on real good but I'm afraid the little hoodlums may just see this as an entertaining challenge.
We've not called the police because I've been advised by the locals that there isn't much they can/will do without any evidence.. and my landlord doesn't want to put up the money to buy a camera.
So now I need to decide what to do as I think there's a reasonable likelihood that the little pranksters will be back again for thirds next weekend. I'm thinking to sleep closer to the window and have a camera ready. I'll also have a few friends over and maybe we can go out and scare them to bits. Maybe set up some traps or hose them down...?
I was wondering if anyone here has ever dealt with anything like this and/or has some idea of how to get the little tramps to bugger off forever without doing anything illegal. Any tips?
The weekend before this they came by after midnight on the Friday night and ripped a side gate off the side of the house. They could have just unlocked the thing and passed right through mind you, but, rather they ripped the entire gate frame out and left the door lodged open enough so people can easily walk through (they might've taken the door with if it weren't so heavy).
They don't try to break into my place or anything so far as I can tell (the side gate is right next to a door in). And, even though my bedroom window looks directly at the gate I always have the drapes closed and have never heard a thing (I sleep very soundly...).
Anyhow, I lodged the door back into place since then. However, last night they were back and dislodged it again, ripping it even more out of the wall.. I've told my landlord both times and he says he's going to come by and bolt it on real good but I'm afraid the little hoodlums may just see this as an entertaining challenge.
We've not called the police because I've been advised by the locals that there isn't much they can/will do without any evidence.. and my landlord doesn't want to put up the money to buy a camera.
So now I need to decide what to do as I think there's a reasonable likelihood that the little pranksters will be back again for thirds next weekend. I'm thinking to sleep closer to the window and have a camera ready. I'll also have a few friends over and maybe we can go out and scare them to bits. Maybe set up some traps or hose them down...?
I was wondering if anyone here has ever dealt with anything like this and/or has some idea of how to get the little tramps to bugger off forever without doing anything illegal. Any tips?