Was my reaction too extreme?

Question

We have some new neighbors who moved in with a portable basketball hoop. We didn't mind their kids and friends playing. But then, it started turning the neighborhood into a public rec center. Loud games started at 7am. Car loads of cursing 20 year olds would show up in the afternoons and use the hoop when the parents were at work. One night the owners came home and a huge group of strangers were playing ball at their hoop. That night they put it away, but after that kept leaving it up. I wanted to discuss it with them, but my husband said that when something gets this out of hand, and you try to discuss it, you're at their mercy if they don't like your complaint. In other words, if you need to report it later, they know exactly who complained and may vandalize your house. We reported it to the city and they were advised to put away when not in use. That lasted about a week. Once back up, 20 or more teens showed up nightly for games, and dealing drugs. They covered the street with

Answer 1

You did what you had to do.  There is nothing good that comes from a group of up to no good teens/young adults.  Eventually someone will get in a fight and pull out a gun and you and your family then become those "innocent bystanders".

Answer 2

You didn't go over the extreme. You were a lot nicer then I would me about the trash. I'd be calling the cops the first time I saw all those punks.

Answer 3

I don't think you overreacted at all....you were trying to protect yourself, your family, and basically your neighborhood.  Way to go for stepping up to the plate and taking a stand!

Answer 4

When you see the kids call the cops and don't be staring out the window.. it's okay to look but don't go back and forth... ifyou do..

Answer 5

I think you did the right thing.  Your husband is right....if something is that out of hand, it's usually best to handle it anonymously if possible to avoid confrontation, and it's not like they got an automatic fine based on your complaint, they've been warned, so whatever happens now is their own fault.  Also, for the home owner's assoc. to make threats, there's a pretty good chance that you're not the only ones complaining.

Answer 6

I would have done the same thing. The neighbors were probably trying to keep peace in their household and thought they would do the easy thing and leave the hoop out so kids could use it. Sometime you have to speak up and nip problems in the bud before they escalate to more serious problems. Your safety and peace of mind are your right to have. The kids that were hanging around need more parental  control, or a curfew, a law against a cathering of more than a certain amount of people at any given  time.

Answer 7

you did what you had to do..so now whats done is done...anyone else in your position probably would have done the same.

Answer 8

You definitely did the right thing. The second something starts threatening your safety or makes you feel unsafe, you have to take action. I probably would have called the cops nightly. I wouldn't want drugs or graffiti ruining my neighborhood. Plus with kids next door... I'm surprised your neighbors didn't do anything.