Evelyn here,
At NoiseOff, there is a message posted by someone realized that not all of his/her neighbors can be trusted and that neighbors will lie during the course of reporting a crime. Below is my posted reponse. If you wish to see the concerned person's original message, logon to NoiseOff and read "neighbors lie, say they aren't bothered".
My Response:
I am surprised that there are still victims of crime out there who still believe that they can unquestionably count on their neighbors as bare witness to whatever crime that has occurred. The majority of them will not. They will either side will the offender(s) or become noncommittal regardless of what they might have seen or heard and many remain ignorance of the incidents behind the safety of closed doors.
And yes, they lie. Why? They lie because they are afraid to take a stand against the neighborhood toughs and criminals. Especially those criminals who are known to harass and harm those of us who attempt to change things for the betterment of the community.
Neighbors like yours, and I have them too, will tell you that you are a nutcase, that you are bothering everyone, while at the same time allowing the crimes and sometimes very serious crimes to continue. They will groups together and step up the noise, drive around more often playing very loud music will stereos with broken basses, they will to disturb your rest at night, and if their they have a very bad fly beat on their cars, there is no peace until they leave the area.
The following statement is important, but I am guessing you will know it to be true. While in your presence, they will try to manipulate police officers and security personnel, but do not be distracted by this display. It is only an intimidation tactic so do not back down. Continue to report the incidents truthfully. Such neighbors have become bullies themselves.
This has been my experience and it has not changed. Where I live now, and I have not lived here long, but they fear me because they know that I represent change and that is what NoiseOff is all about, changes for the better.
You have gotten many suggestions on how to handle the offenders and your neighbors in your area. As suggestions go, these are good ones. Also, join your community D.A.R.T. organization. If you are a religious person, your pastor will know of the group and your local branch. The local police department might know of the group also.
Keep in mind as long as you want change and actively work toward it, many of your neighbors will not like you and fewer will trust you. So stand strong, but get some real support behind you because you do it along and you cannot trust everyone. Not even your neighbors.
Evelyn out.
