Redditor Asks If They Were Wrong For Securing Their Fence Panels To Prevent Intrusion By Neighborhood Kids

"Now every night I go home I'm greeting with a bunch of angry kids."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• May 9, 2023

Boundary disputes and conflicts with neighbors are common issues that can arise for homeowners. Whether it's over encroaching trees, excessive noise, or even trespassing, disputes between neighbors can be stressful and potentially damaging to the community.

One such issue that homeowners frequently face is the intrusion caused by neighborhood children playing ball games that result in their balls landing in their neighbor's yard. Although many homeowners may not mind this occasional occurrence, some may find it an invasion of their privacy, especially if it happens frequently and the children enter their property to retrieve the ball.

In such cases, finding a resolution that respects everyone's rights and privacy becomes essential to maintain healthy relationships with neighbors.

OP's situation is a perfect example of how a simple issue can escalate quickly into a conflict with their neighbors. OP lives in a corner house near a road where children frequently play ball games, and the kids would often knock on OP's door to retrieve their balls from their garden.

However, since OP's partner is hard of hearing, the children started lifting the fence panel and entering the garden to retrieve their ball, making OP feel their privacy is being violated. To prevent further intrusions, OP screwed all the fence panels in place, but this led to confrontations with angry kids demanding their ball back.

One day, one of the children's mothers accused OP of theft for not returning her son's ball and demanded that OP fix their fence. The situation escalated when OP showed evidence of the children trespassing and damaging their property, leading to an altercation with the mother.

OP's experience highlights the importance of finding a solution that respects everyone's rights and privacy to maintain healthy relationships with neighbors. Taking reasonable steps to protect one's property is reasonable, but communication with neighbors and involving authorities only when necessary can help avoid disputes and conflicts.

A lot of the kids in the neighborhood play ball games in that area

Now every night I go home I'm greeted with a bunch of angry kids telling me their ball is in my garden and they can't get it

When I got home one of the kids' mothers was at my front door

You should laugh at the mom and tell her to go ahead and call the police

This is a learning opportunity for them

If the kids are so worried about being deprived of their ball, they'll learn to be a bit more careful before kicking it over your fence

Stop returning the balls

They have no right to expect you to be at their beck and call to tend to their needs

The entitlement of the parent

Tell those entitled parents, that you will be suing for property damage

Make a lot of noise and trouble for this woman.

Your neighbors are clearly harassing you

That lady can go pound salt

Put up NO TRESPASSING / BEWARE OF DOGS signs to warn anyone to stay off your property

Trespassing is a violation of the law

This is a huge insurance and liability issue and you have every right and honestly a legal duty to prevent the children from entering your property unattended

The kids need to be more careful

They need to have consequences

Keep up the cameras and let them call the police

If those kids get hurt on your property YOU are in for a lot of trouble.

You are entitled to secure your property

You are not obligated to get them their ball in a timely manner

The issue of neighborhood children entering OP's property to retrieve their ball has become a significant insurance and liability concern. OP has a legal obligation to prevent unsupervised children from accessing their property, and securing their fence panels is a reasonable step to take in this regard.

The comments have highlighted the importance of warning signs to deter trespassing and the need for consequences when children and parents violate property rights. While some have suggested returning the balls, others have advised against it, as it reinforces the behavior and leads to entitlement.

Ultimately, finding a solution that balances the needs of the children and the homeowner's rights and privacy is essential to maintaining healthy relationships with neighbors.

Damjan