Try fixing the fence (remember to submit the bill to the next door neighbor if the kids really did damage it). Then, call the cops any time someone trespasses on your property. And you might want to get a dog of your own, although that's a long-term responsibility and commitment you might not want to undertake.
I would also consider setting up a security camera, or closed-circuit TV (CCTV), system. They're really inexpensive these days, and most systems come with several cameras, the hard drive, hardware, and everything else you need to get set up quickly.
Don't leave a knife in the ball (they might decide to use the knife on you!), but you could just take the ball before they have a chance to get it.
Definitely call the police every time they come into your yard. That's very scary, and very illegal.
I would pop their ball....LOL you should tell the kids to either play somewhere else or tell them that if the ball falls into your garden, you won't get it for them anymore.
Mims is right... If the kids are being rude and disrespectful you need to toughen up a little. Next time their ball goes in your yard, keep it. The worst thing you can do is not follow through with your threats with children. If kids consider you "all talk" which means that all you do is talk and never really do anything they will continue to take advantage of you and do as they please.
I'm afraid when I get fed up with kids balls landing in the garden, I puncture them before I throw them back. That way the d*mn things won't bounce so high or go so far. There was a spate of small plastic balls that kept coming over so I collected a few, put them in a bag with a note, then tossed it back over. The note said "these balls are too small and fragile for my dogs to play with safely - they are a choking hazard so please make sure they don't come over again". It stopped.
Next time the ball goes in your yard just keep it.And if they want it back tell them a parent has to come and get it.When the parents come just talk to them and let them know how much workk you but into your garden and you don't appreciate the kids destroying it.And if that doesn't work if it comes in your yard again keep it.I had a neihbor who did that and believe me we stopped when we saw he was serious.
This may sound harsh, but I would keep the balls that keep flying into your garden, and tell the kids if they want their balls back to have their parents come talk to you. Maybe this way you can get the parents involved with what is going on with their kids, and make the parents responsible for their kids actions.
I have the exact same problem. The parents in my case are worse than the kids. The mom screamed using the f-word at me in front of the kids when I asked them to stop damaging my house and fence. These kids talk back to me as well - who does that!? I am calling the police to make a damage report next. I have had enough. I hope you have better luck with the parents than I did!
Tell the parents and if the parents don't listen put up a fence or go tell the cops that kids are trespassing on your property and the parents won't do anything about it.
Hmmm. I think I can help solve your problem. Try these:1. Planting thorny bushes at the base of your fence. If the parents complain that their kids got injured, say that they shouldn't have been going into your yard in the first place!2. Put up a Beware of the Dog sign, even if you don't have a dog.3. Spend more time outside and if a ball is sent over, then keep it. When they hop over to get it, say "What do you think you are doing?" and watch them tremble with fear!4. Try the knife technique you mentioned. Unless they hurt themselves while playing with the knife, they can't sue. 5. Try applying Anti-Climb paint. This is a VERY useful tool. Unless they are hardcore sports lovers, they'll give up trying to get the ball every time it goes over.6. Take a picture of the kids stepping into the broken fence trying to get over. Then, take the picture to the authorities and explain you issue. They will (most likely) send a bill to the parents to for the restoration of the fence. Good Luck!~J-Blooper~
It this keep going on, then you need to talk to the parents and tell them about the football coming into your garden. I wouldn't go into my garden and give them the ball.
There's probably are elements that we don't know about.no near by parks for one,I enjoy kids if they are decent people.I know privacy fences aren't cheap but I think I would think of some sort of net or fence to protect your place.If balls are the only problem, heck we are all entitled to having a ball.And I sure would feel bad if I forced the kids away an they were hit by a car because they were playing in the street.
