Dealing with Teens Hanging Out Near My Home
Hi everyone! I could use some advice regarding a situation I’m facing in my new home in South East London. I recently purchased a place in the same area I grew up in, just on a different street. It’s an end-of-terrace house with a driveway and low brick walls.
This week, as I started moving in, I encountered an unexpected issue. Yesterday, when I returned with the moving van, a group of teenagers was sitting on my low wall. The wall is quite thin, just a single line of bricks.
To my surprise, they didn’t budge or say anything even with the van parked right next to them. I suspect they were smoking weed, although it didn’t seem too strong. It had been a long, exhausting day, and I just wanted to get things unloaded without any potential conflict, so I chose to ignore them and focused on cleaning. They seemed to leave after about an hour, and they weren’t too loud.
I don’t mind if they hang out nearby, as long as they’re not causing any trouble, but it feels a bit uncomfortable having them so close to my front door while I’m inside. Plus, I worry that my brick wall might not hold up forever.
Next time, if I see them again, I might try to engage them politely and ask how they’re doing, mentioning that I noticed them before. I’m wondering if that could help. I’ve also been considering putting up short metal fences to prevent them from sitting on the wall, which I had been planning to do eventually anyway, but now I feel it might be a good idea to expedite that.
Any advice on how to handle this situation? I don’t want to be confrontational and create tension, but I also want to establish boundaries. Since I live alone, that’s another factor I’m considering. Thanks for your input!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tricky situation, but it’s great that you’re approaching it with a level head. Here are a few suggestions you might consider:
Polite Conversation: Your idea of engaging them in conversation is a good one. If you feel comfortable, introducing yourself and having a casual chat might make them feel more respectful towards you and your space. Sometimes, just being friendly can help change their perception.
Setting Boundaries: Politely expressing that while you don’t mind their presence, you’d prefer they don’t sit on your wall could be effective. You could mention that it’s not safe and that you’d appreciate them finding another spot.
Physical Barriers: Installing short metal fences or planters could deter them from sitting on your wall and also add some aesthetics to your garden. It’s a practical solution that doesn’t require confrontation.
Community Engagement: Getting to know your neighbors and the local community can help. They might have insights or strategies that have worked for them in the past regarding similar situations.
Involving Authorities: If things escalate or if you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to reach out to local authorities. It’s better to address issues early on before they become more significant problems.
Creating Activities: If you want to attract more people to the area, consider organizing community events or social gatherings. This could help create a more welcoming environment and reduce the feeling of unease.
Your home should be your safe space, so don’t hesitate to take measures that make you feel comfortable. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution that works for you!