Dealing with the Neighbors from Hell

Posted by Pamela S. on Thursday, May 24th, 2012

I’m going to pull out that oft quoted phrase from Robert Frost’s poem, Mending Wall. “Good fences make good neighbours.” A bad neighbor can make your life unbearable. Private investigators can investigate vandalism, property line disputes, and other issues that affect your quality of life. Landlords who understand the value of building good neighborhood relationships should hire an investigative agency to conduct background checks on prospective tenants.

For some reason, I noted that many private investigation agencies in Great Britain list neighbor disputes as one of their specialties. Maybe the British have a lot more issues because they are crammed together in higher density areas and live in smaller homes, like people in New York. Sometimes people don't like your style. If you are a bit eccentric, be prepared to have some upset neighbors. You don't have to give up your individuality, but respect your neighbors.

I have been very lucky, I have wonderful neighbors. My fence is the perfect height for leaning on when talking to my neighbors. I live in a small town and some of my neighbours have white picket fences. A white picket fence seems to invoke a nostalgic feeling, where neighbors live in harmony.

We stand at the proverbial fence and talk, and we often cross the dividing line for barbecues or drinks on the back deck. Drive through any new suburb and everyone has privacy fences blocking all view of their backyard. There are no fences in the front, because no one sits on the front porch.

My sister has lived in the same neighborhood for over 20 years, and the only neighbor she knows is the one next door. They don’t speak because of a fence dispute many years ago.

So what is the difference between us? I  go out of my way to get to know my neighbors. It makes a difference. Plus, I have to admit, being a private investigator for many years, I am a very curious person and want to know people. I am the de facto neighborhood watch person on my street.

Many U.S. neighborhoods have a Neighborhood Watch program. I'm sure you've seen the Neighborhood Watch signs. The USAonWatch-Neighborhood Watch Program works with  law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens to help reduce crime in local communities.

The Trevon Martin case has been front page news since Februa

ry of this year. George Zimmerman, who was acting as a community watch person at the time of Martin’s death, has been charged with 2nd degree murder. Until the trial, it is not right to speculate on what happened, but Neighborhood Watch and law enforcement agencies do not recommend approaching or confronting anyone. Witness and report. Call 911, that is what the police are for.

There have been neighborhoods that have been terrorized for years by criminal neighbors with bad intent. Read some true stories about neighbors from hell.

What can you do if you have a dispute with a neighbor? If a neighbor is vandalizing your property, an investigation company can assist you by installing a CCTV motion detection camera system. The police don’t have the resources to sit and watch your place, but if you can provide proof, you have a better chance of charging a neighbor with criminal acts.More people are using YouTube to post videos of their neighbors caught in the act. I don't recommend this, it will only escalate matters.

Sometimes neighbors have to band together to get bad influences out of their neighborhoods. If you suspect illegal activity, such as drug dealers operating out of a house, call the police.

If you have a dispute over a property line or a fence, you may need to consult a lawyer. Avoid problems with neighbors by learning the bylaws in your area, before you build a fence. Consult with your neighbor and try to come to an agreement on the height and style of fence you are building. You can always wear a t-shirt like this to help build good relations:

If you are a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure that your tenants will be good neighbors. Asking for references isn’t enough. Read 13 Prospective Tenant Red Flags, from PI Newswire. Anyone can fake employment and personal references. A private investigator can conduct a comprehensive background check, including a credit history search, employment check, and reference checks. If you still have concerns, investigators can interview former neighbors. All investigators know that neighbors are one of the best sources for information in any investigation.

Former FBI Assistant Director Tom Sheer has recruited the best from the FBI, DEA, IRS and Secret Service to build a formidable team at Sheer Investigations. Our private investigators have the sensitivity and experience to handle the most delicate investigations.

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