Dasher66
Well-Known Member
As well as keeping a log and contacting the police I’d invest in a solicitors letter. If she isn’t mentally ill she may need reminding of the limits of her influence on what happens on adjacent property.
Aggressive neighbour - any advice?
- Thread starter fiveleafclover21
- Start date
FinnishLapphund
There's no cow on the ice
You said you've set up some CCTV, could you increase it?
You didn't say what things she's been moving around at your yard at night, but presumably if she places e.g. rakes, wheelbarrows in places where they don't belong, and nobody notices it in time, it could potentially cause accidents. And what if she escalates to e.g. start interfering with the horses?
By blocking what I presume is somewhat large machinery, she's not only preventing the work from taking place, she's putting herself in danger.
You said she's pulled down some of your fences. Besides that I presume that there is potentially a risk for her one day thereby turning some horses loose, she is either way definitely causing harm to your property. Surely that alone should make it possible for the police to do more than just tell her to stay on her side of the fence.
Deliberately beeping a car horn, and shouting at riders on horses in an arena, could have caused serious accidents. Besides the risk for accidents, I think that it at the very least would also warrant a noise complaint to the council.
Even though it is both nice, and kind, to be a bit lenient if someone have temporary, or permanent, mental problems which leads to bad behaviour, there is still a limit to what is acceptable. If she hadn't already crossed it, then I think she definitely crossed it when she deliberately tried to scare the horses people was riding in the arena, by beeping her car horn, and shouting.
Perhaps some of the stuff in these two links could be useful for you to know:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/l...iscrimination/taking-action-about-harassment/
https://helix-law.co.uk/what-to-do-if-a-neighbour-trespasses-on-your-property/
canteron
Well-Known Member
On top of the other advice do you have any contact with the ex husband, presumably they are going through the process of divorce?
Two things occur to me is
1. If there is a marriage break up he might well be trying to sell the property which is causing her ‘madness’.
2. If you approach it as a concerned neighbour about her mental health he may have something to add to the picture that will help your decision making?
Two things occur to me is
1. If there is a marriage break up he might well be trying to sell the property which is causing her ‘madness’.
2. If you approach it as a concerned neighbour about her mental health he may have something to add to the picture that will help your decision making?
Leandy
Well-Known Member
Police, every time as stated above and keeping good evidence, also as stated above. What are all the comings and goings at night? I'd be reporting that to the police also whether its breach of covid rules or something more serious eg drug related, they should look into it. And get advice from a solicitor, they can send formal letters for you and can apply for an injunction to prevent the harassment. Breach of such an injunction could also be a police matter and make them more inclined to act. You need to take this seriously as it is escalating and is dangerous for all concerned.
Gingerwitch
Well-Known Member
Water sprinklers could be a slight deterrent and powerful lights sensor activated.... put up CCTV and signs and record everything.
Gingerwitch
Well-Known Member
Yes and this could back fire as if they know of a potential get out clause the insurance may very well use that I.e you know your car, lorry, stables were being damaged but you did nothing therefore your to blame.....
PeterNatt
Well-Known Member
FiveLeafClover 21. I am sorry to hear of your problems with your neighbour. If you would like to E-mail me on peter.natt@btinternet.com I may be able to assist you in resolving this issue. My E-mail address is peter.natt@btinternet.com (I am the BHS Volunteer Access officer for Hertfordshire.)
Velcrobum
Well-Known Member
Pushing fencing down is criminal damage. As others have said log every incident and do not hesitate to call the police if she threatens violence. You have a duty of care towards your staff and need to be pro-active to protect them otherwise you might end up losing them. Solicitors cease and desist might work but possibly not if MH related. Pass CCTV footage to police with regards to late night car comings and goings as this is potentially breaking COVID regulations and as another poster suggested could be drug related.
JulesRules
Well-Known Member
Agree with all the advice on here.
Another avenue of advice might be one of the mental health charities as they often have helplines. They might be able to advise you of the quickest way to get her some help and talk you through what evidence you need if you think she needs to be sectioned ( it sounds like it). Maybe try Mind?
Another avenue of advice might be one of the mental health charities as they often have helplines. They might be able to advise you of the quickest way to get her some help and talk you through what evidence you need if you think she needs to be sectioned ( it sounds like it). Maybe try Mind?
tristar
Well-Known Member
you need to act, she will probably do something dangerous at some point, if you dont it will get worse.
she could be injured roaming around in the night, and who wants that anyway, its threatening, she needs help now
i`ve seen it before, sadly
she could be injured roaming around in the night, and who wants that anyway, its threatening, she needs help now
i`ve seen it before, sadly
Tarragon
Well-Known Member
Can you tell us what her main grievances against you are? Do you know? I just wonder if you know why she is taking this stance in the first place. It may help to work things out.
FestiveG
Over the hill and far awa
As an Approved Mental Health Professional under the terms of the Mental Health Act, the only way forward to get this woman assessed for detention under the act would be s136, of the MHA, police powers of arrest. She may be mentally ill, or she may be using drugs or alcohol, or just be a nasty person none of us on the forum can possibly know. She is committing criminal acts and the police are the only people who can act on these circumstances. Please inform them of every occasion when she commits these acts.
Shysmum
Well-Known Member
A big dog ! Seriously though, follow all the above advice. What if she starts letting horses out ? A solicitor on board, a letter from them to her, stating that you are recording every movement on your yard, copied to the Chief Constable and the Council. Get straight in there, dont mess about.
TulipTilly
Member
Diary as suggested by some is absolutely a good idea - very easy to forget minor details of something that takes place over time. Allows a clear picture to be given to anyone investigating
Christmascinnamoncookie
Fais pas chier!
Log
Police
Report the criminal damage to the fences
Repeat as required.Comstamtly.
Council mediation was pointless with similar mad lady neighbour next to my tenant. She was eventually removed by an MH team, which calmed her right down.
Police
Report the criminal damage to the fences
Repeat as required.Comstamtly.
Council mediation was pointless with similar mad lady neighbour next to my tenant. She was eventually removed by an MH team, which calmed her right down.
brighteyes
Pooh-Bah
Sounds to me as though up to this point you have acted with a good deal of restraint. Your duty of care is to the people with permission or authority to be on your premises and the safety of any livestock or people around livestock.
What she is doing now is going to result in someone (or thing, or both) getting very hurt and she won't be the one taking the brunt of the rap - unless she is mowed flat by a bolting horse.
How awful and worrying for you and how sad for her. She's clearly very mentally unwell.
It oughtn't be on your head to protect yourself against trespass and criminal damage. The stress of it all can't be good for you either. I do hope it is sorted soon and nothing bad happens in the interim.
What she is doing now is going to result in someone (or thing, or both) getting very hurt and she won't be the one taking the brunt of the rap - unless she is mowed flat by a bolting horse.
How awful and worrying for you and how sad for her. She's clearly very mentally unwell.
It oughtn't be on your head to protect yourself against trespass and criminal damage. The stress of it all can't be good for you either. I do hope it is sorted soon and nothing bad happens in the interim.
Reacher
Well-Known Member
Well that would solve the problem... (although no doubt you would be held responsible)
I had a pain in the arse neighbour (though nothing like as bad as yours) and sent him a solicitor's letter. I don't know if I still have a copy as I moved house since but I will have a rummage. I did find our police force were reluctant to log my complaints as it causes extra work for them so I had to be firm about it.
BaronSamedi
...
Could you run electric round your your fencing and give her a bloody good zap?
cauda equina
Well-Known Member
If you do this make sure you put appropriate warning signs up
Landowners have a duty of care, even to trespassers
FinnishLapphund
There's no cow on the ice
In one way I'm thinking that the system is a bit crap when it comes to that the ones who isn't doing anything wrong have to be careful to follow the law, but the ones who isn't following the law, well, they can get away with it. But on the other hand I wouldn't want to live in a gung-ho Wild West either.
However, presumably there is no law that says the warning signs have to be put up exactly where she's likes to break down the fence. But maybe she's using her car, or something else, making adding electricity pointless anyway.
Anyhow, I suppose it's unlikely, but one could always hope this neighbour problem resolves itself without too much more trouble.