What would you do if you had suspicious neighbors living next to you?
By apples99
@apples99 (6556)
United States
June 10, 2012 6:26pm CST
I recently moved in this cute single family home the streets are clean and usually quiet, but lately I've noticed some young teens between the ages of 15 and 17 hanging around next door across the street not quite sure how long they have lived in the area but there behavior seems almost gang like
I get this funny vibe from them, and it's definitely not a good vibe, I see them when I catch the bus they sitting in a row together on there front lawn and stair off into the street and they keep this serious look on their faces all the time the look is almost angry
It's a group of about 7 males teens, and one of the other neighbours has already started complaining about them though I'm not sure what happened or why the other neighbour complained, but I must say the youngsters are giving me the creeps
Anyway what would you do if you had suspicious neighbors living next door? would you ignore them and hope for the best or take other safety precautions?1 person likes this
9 responses
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
10 Jun 12
Hello apples99
If I was in this situation I would try to befriend those youths. I would talk with them and give them the benefit of the doubt. They may not be hooligans, and if they are, then I would especially want them to be my friend rather than my enemy.
@lafredricktaylor (256)
• United States
11 Jun 12
will Im with you PT..i would find out whats on their minds. I would prolly ask what their plans for the summer are or how they like the school district..depending on the season. Just to get a response. If its a "I hate school" or "We chillin for the summer" then we may have some problems on our hands. But as a guy and me being me, i would work with them anyway, because they may need man figure in their life!
@whatrow (792)
• United States
11 Jun 12
lafredericktaylor--I think you would be taking on too much. Just watch them and do your own thing. Wait for them to make the first move.
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
11 Jun 12
I read somewhere the quote, "Life is what you make it so lets make it a happy one." If we always assume the worse about people, it is not difficult to make a crappy life.
@Paper_Doll (2373)
• Philippines
11 Jun 12
If I sense something negative, I would surely report this to town's officials so they could check for it. It's either they would talk to this teens and said they are not allowed to loiter in the area or would set a curfew. Or the usual thing, some town employees would go around the place in the evening to guarantee the safety of the residents. Best thing to do is to report this. It's better to prevent something from happening.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
10 Jun 12
Where i live now is a safeish neighborhood. It's had it's problems but mostly not near us. The neighor's kids were loud for the longest time, bringing friends over and playing loud music, playing basketball. It was getting to me and I kept yelling out the window for them to stop, called them and asked them to, and even called the cops. It stopped. I just hate loud noises though.
It sounds like you're dealing with much more dangerous things. I'd be very careful, and hope they stay away from you. I wouldn't do anything to anger them.
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
11 Jun 12
I'm always as careful as I can be because you never know how far the other person or persons will go when they feel threatened, and sadly we live in very violent times so it's always better to keep a distance from suspicious parties especially if they leave obvious hints that they are not to be trusted thanks @SomeCowgirl I appreciate you sharing your story and offering friendly advice.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
11 Jun 12
Ah yes, the suspicious neighbors, there has been at least once where I have had neighbors that seemed suspicious. As I slowly began to know their story, that is just how they are. Some people do things that might seem different and strange to us, but it is absolutely and utter normal to them, without any concern to how it might really just look to them.
Unless I had really concrete evidence that they were up to any wrongdoing, I would let them go along with their life. I would be cordial enough but then again, I'm kind of guarded against everyone right out there to begin with, no matter what they are doing. So there are times where I see some suspicious characters around but they could be dangerous or eccentric. You just never know.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
11 Jun 12
hi apples, first of all it dosen't seem like you know anything a
about them except 'they seem gang like'.,,Just remember you are
new in their neighborhood and you don't want any problems I am sure,
Just what did you have in mind when you said 'take other safety
precautions...I do understand your position but if they haven't
bothered you in anyway, I would leave the be, or at least until
you observe something uncanny...
I am hopefully you make the best choice...
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
11 Jun 12
Your right I don't know these young men but they don't look friendly judging from the expressions on their faces they seem to stay in their little group, as for taking other safety precautions I want get an alarm or start a neighbourhood watch something like that nothing to extreme.
@psychoartist (756)
• United States
11 Jun 12
hi apples99...we have just moved into a new neighborhood and our neighbors are suspicious of us, always asking us why we decided to move here and all sorts of personal questions...i think that suspicion can breed suspicious actions or attitudes sometimes...maybe you should give these kids a chance and be kind to them, and then if some actual thing happens that is unfortunate, your suspicions may be more grounded....try to put yourself in their place, how would you want you to treat you?
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
11 Jun 12
That's very true it's best not to jump to conclusions though I did see the police in the neighborhood, also one other neighbour had an issue with the young men but of course it's best not to assume anything but I have a very strong feeling that somethings not right because whenever I leave my home to go to the bus stop they stair at me not a safe feeling for me being a female alone.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
11 Jun 12
I will try to give them a friendly gesture than a suspicious behavior.
They maybe looks suspicious but since they are still young- treating them good can influence them to think or repent/change their attitudes or whatever bad things on their minds.
It is easier to influence the young ones than the older ones.
By befriending them- slowly you will come to know their activities and who knows, maybe you can turn them into a better citizen.
