Mindless malicious vandalism

[help4u]

Hello
I need advice really, so I will come to the point. Recently i have been the victim
of youth mindless vandalism to my property and myself, stone broke through my
window hitting me. They are gaining access over a 7ft high fence owned by a large
Supermarket,which my house backs on to. I have requested from the Supermarket
management,that they may consider vandal paint topping the fence,also CCTVcoverage
of this area, am I being reasonable, and how far can I take this.
They are at the moment unconcerned and not very empathetic,it has happened on more than 1 occasion.as I am very scared and panic at nights I would appreciate any advice.
Thankyou.

[charitynjw]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Hi help4u,& welcome to Legal Beagles.

Have you contacted the police, if only to get a crime ref no.? (Best to go in person, I believe.)

Have you documented this? ('photos)?

Do you have CCTV?

Is there a local neighbourhood watch?

[enquirer]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

As Charitynjw suggests, contact the Police. Get a crime number for the damage and make sure that the beat officer is aware - preferably speaking to him or her in person. This puts it firmly on the radar.

If your neighbours have also experienced problems, join forces to complain.

Although holding the supermarket responsible would be very difficult - the fence is 7ft and presumably in good repair - contacting them again in writing, pointing out that the police are now involved, may prompt a more positive response.

A CCTV camera would probably be a good investment, as might external security lights. If the fence permits, you might extend it further on your side with a trellis or some such obstacle.

Your local councillor might also be interested - as they may need planning permission later on, supermarkets are usually keen to stay on the right side of these people.

[bluebottle]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Are these youths throwing stones from an external area of the supermarket to which the public have access or to which they are not normally permitted to have access, e.g. an enclosed loading/unloading yard. If the latter, the supermarket operator does need to engage as it would tend to indicate their security is somewhat wanting and they need to do something about it.

Notifying the police, as other posters have recommended, is essential. Once the police have the report on their Incident Log, they can refer to other similar incidents and this, then, builds up a picture of anti-social behaviour in a particular area.

[des8]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Are these vandals actually scaling this 7ft to gain access to your property? If so a nice thorn hedge at the base of the fence (if possible) we found to be a very effective deterrent.

[MissFM]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

If you're a dog lover a Rottweiller might do the trick but similarly the local press have been known to galvanise Supermarkets into being more actively helpful for reasons outlined above

[help4u]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Thankyou for your reply, yes the police were informed by me as it happened.The youths are throwing stones
from the Supermarket car park, (a very large one)there are no gates, it is totally open to anyone, but does not close till 11pm.
They are scaling the fence,then using it as a shield,when back over so you cant see them. I am willing to put CCTV on my side
Only thing is it is useless if they throw stones as they cant be seen. The Supermarket have said they cant (or wont) cover the area
With CCTV.There is a very tall streetlamp which shines over the fence area at my garden,from the car park. It would be ideal
for a camera. But also aids the vandals to see.

[help4u]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Thankyou. You are of course right,good advice. I have informed my councillor, small inroads, but the Supermarket wont budge on putting
CCTV coverage.

[help4u]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Yes I wish. I have a dog, but it wont even bark it is so soft.

[help4u]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Yes they have done, good advice, but still wont stop stones coming over.

[help4u]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Thankyou for your advice, I have a police number, plus proof of crime etc I have put up a motion sensor light,but
it will not stop the stone throwing.

[Tools]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

I know this may be of little consolation to you but I have in the past had problems with school children causing damage. The majority of the time they goad you to try and get a reaction, the more you react, the more they come back. When they are throwing stones etc, do you go out and shout at them etc? If so I would advise you to TRY not to react and just telephone the police on each occasion. It can be very frustrating I know and even make you ill at times but eventually if they get no reaction, they tend to get bored and stop.

Good advice previously from everyone, may I also add have you spoken to the head office/regional office of the supermarket as well as the branch manager?

[CleverClogs]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

A trellis on the top of the fence would certainly not support the weight of the junior Untermensch who like to clamber up, but one gets the impression that they would not mind breaking the trellis if they could. Moreover, the trellis would also prevent other measures being taken, such as fitting plastic. anti-climb strips near the top of your side of the fence. The spikes are relatively blunt. so they'll not puncture the skin, but they're sharp enough to deter someone from gripping the top of the fence. (Do not use carpet gripper strips instead, as you might face some awkward questions if the local scrotes whined to the police about their shredded fingertips!)

Alternatively, an electric cattle fence could be used, with a couple of bare wires near the top of the fence.

To persuade them to bugger off and bother someone else, try a Mosquito. (link)

[ruthie59]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

Brilliant suggestions, Cloggy, especially the Mosquito!

[CleverClogs]

Re: Mindless malicious vandalism

If it's a concrete fence, it might be an idea to cut through one of the panels: