Should I have told off 2 kids in the street?

Sounds like they knew they were doing wrong and were getting up to mischief through boredom. I think you did right right to have a word. Wonder if the parents knew where they were, but that's another issue.

Well it does sound as if what you said to them has made an impression on at least one of them.
Perhaps they wont come back from now on?

Put a note through the householder’s door explaining what you saw. Perhaps a camera could be positioned to keep an eye on the building.

Blossoming, it’s a storage space made out of an old carriage house at the back of the posher street behind me. There’s no letter box to put a note through and I haven’t seen John for a while. He keeps old classic car parts in there that he takes to sell at rallies etc and there haven’t been any lately.

you've spoke to the boys and I think that is enough. Tell john if you see him but please stop worrying about it. If it happens again or you think it is more serious you can log it with the police if necessary

Wait and see and if something occurs/ has occurred giving you cause to believe 'all is not as it should ? a word with your local 'arm of the law' would be in order.

I saw them again this afternoon. They were kicking a ball around in the street and when they saw me they stopped, got onto the pavement and stood completely still and quiet. I think I may have got through to them.

The answer to your question is ‘ yes’. We had a similar thing. and said if we saw them again, we’d inform the police.

We never did ( see them again).

tell them if you see any more criminal damage you will be calling the police.

Lizzies

I saw them again this afternoon. They were kicking a ball around in the street and when they saw me they stopped, got onto the pavement and stood completely still and quiet. I think I may have got through to them.

I think you did the right thing.

Perhaps you could smile and say hello to them next time you see them.
That way they know you have 'clocked them' but that you are not an ogre and they may not try anything like that again.

IMO this is exactly what is meant when people say it takes a village.

I would have done the same thing.

Good for you, Lizzies. I’d be surprised if they do it again and you probably did them a bit of good for the future telling them.

Sounds like a good job done and that the message got home to them,well done you .

Good advice Callistemon

I'm with Call in that I think a brief and pleasant acknowledgement to them next time you meet would be an ice breaker. Gentle is good.