Difficult Neighbour Causing Me Distress

Maybe a phone call to your local PCSO to have a quiet chat? They might already be aware of some of the incidents you mention and could offer you some advice.

I would set up a security camera to cover any activity in your front yard or driveway. It could possibly be dementia, but it could also be dangerous to you, so please protect yourself and your property.

Sorry all while I agree with the 2 responses both very good and practical suggestions, I just have to say b____y MEN eh

Take advice about the security cameras and if possible speak to the other lone female residents. If you all support each other you could make arrangements to discuss this with your PCSO as suggested. If you have support from elsewhere family friends involve them too. The help and advice you need will be more forthcoming if it’s not just you alone. Take care and stay in touch here so we know how you get on.

OMG

Thank you for your input. There was another neighbour who had moved out of her house but owned it for a while after leaving, and she often said that she just knew someone had been in her house. She also said that things were missing and was especially upset about inherited items. Everyone thought she was talking rubbish. Now I wonder if that lady was right.

I am really worried now. I wondered if I was being over suspicious but since you all are of similar opinions it looks like I might be on the right track.

I will see if I can get in touch with a PCSO and see what they say.

What an awful neighbour - he needs to be taken to task ?

I think getting a camera should be high on your list of priorities

Good luck

A CCTV camera is essential as it will be your eyes for you when you're not around. Our was installed because of a nasty neighbour and it helped us to keep a close eye on her. The footage can be used as evidence so keep track of anything relevant.

CCTV may well be a great help here I am no technical person but my daughter has cameras on the front of her house if she is not at home she can see who is coming close to her front as it flashes a recording to her phone so she can see who is visiting delivering ect

Thanks everyone

I have been on Amazon and ordered a camera which should connect to my phone. If I cant technically do it I will have it connected by someone who can do it.

Absentgrandmother

Thanks everyone

I have been on Amazon and ordered a camera which should connect to my phone. If I cant technically do it I will have it connected by someone who can do it.

Find out how to save the footage. Keep anything relevant for building up a case if necessary. With ours we have to start and end at the precise time (hrs, mins, secs) to keep the footage required.

I was going to suggest a Ring doorbell and camera. We find ours invaluable. Easy to install and set up the app on your phone or ipad so you can view footage. We also bought the plug in chimes - one upstairs and one down. They’re really useful in that you can set them to give a gentle ‘tinkle’ when the camera detects movement, so you’re alerted to it. If you have Amazon Echo you can connect Ring to that too and there are more security features available including being able to view whoever is at the door and being able to talk to them via Alexa.

This neighbour is being even stranger now. Yesterday and today my Intercom has buzzed when the postman has been in the area. The postman has his own method of entry and does not buzz for entry. Yesterday I answered the buzzer and could hear a male talking and swearing. Today I ignored the buzzer and saw that the postman was further down the street. No unknown cars visiting the area at the time.
I am feeling a bit nervy now and will be seeing if there is anyone other than PCSO to contact. This is awful

What about other neighbours? Could you ask if you could ring them when you get scared and perhaps they would check for you. If he is targeting lone females he is most likely a coward and could back off if he thought another man may confront him.

OW The neighbour I am closest to in terms of friendship is still working so away from here from early morning until early evening. She has had the raw edge of this man since she moved here about 8 years ago. Another female neighbour seems to comply with what he tries to dictate and will not cross him. A younger lady in her 20s moved away recently and the woman who replaced her seems to be "able" He is certainly coming across as cowardly but I hesitate to change my thoughts on this being an age related mental health issue

You are perfectly safe if you don't open your front door. I really don't understand people opening their front door when they have no idea who is there.

Just to add, you have no obligation to open your front door just because someone knocks or rings the bell. Some people seem to think they have to!

Its second nature isnt it Chestnut

Thanks Chestnut.I rarely respond to the buzzer unless I am expecting someone. I came here after years of abuse to find some peace and this is what I ended up with. I am quite cautious in what I do. If I was threatened or felt very scared I would call 999.

Out of interest, did your neighbours behaviour change as a result of you having cameras installed?
Absentgrandmother is there a neighbourhood forum on line you could read, to see if anyone has posted relevant info?

The first half of my post was to Chestnut - I foolishly missed out your name.

Namsnanny I dont know if there is a neighbourhood forum but I could try looking on Facebook.

I have emailed an age related mental health group to see what they suggest.

My neighbour has been here for about 8 years and she says he is a bully

Sounds like he has a Mental Issue. Do you have a Community Advisor or ask a Mental health Worker. In America we have Laws on Elder Abuse. We contact local Police. This needs to be Reported. Or this man will continue to harass you & others.

It would be wise to install an alarm and camera.You then have proof should problems occur .