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My elderly neighbor lives with family. I work from home. For the past year he has been coming over repeatedly and banging on our doors with his cane and peeping in the window. If I am outside with my dogs he threatens them with his cane (small dogs) such that I can no longer walk them in the front. When my husband asks him to leave he threatens my husband.


My husband tried to remedy this by talking to the family who just say they are exhausted and have to work. (There is a substantial language barrier). We have also called the police who told them they need to keep him contained.


For about a month after that they started watching him more carefully but now he is left outside all day again and is getting worse.


He shoves things in the lock trying to get the door open (we had to buy a new lock). He attempts to force the handle. He tries to force the windows.


I am now pregnant and scared to try and get him to leave when I am alone. The police don't see this as a huge issue due to his age but yet I am trapped in my home and afraid of what would happen if he actually did get in.


Need some advice! Is there any further measure I can take or am I stuck with this?

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The police should see this as a huge issue not because of the threat to you but because this elderly gentleman has clearly lost the plot, is being routinely neglected, and is a danger to himself. If they still won't take any kind of meaningful action, what about calling APS?
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I would definitely call APS, and ask for welfare check. He is a danger to you and all of the neighborhood, and needs to be contained in some way. How very sad, as his family must be incredibly frustrated, and may not know all of the various things they can do, to help him through his journey of what appears to be Dementia of some type, if not a disabling mental illness.

Yes, please call APS, reporting a Disturbed, dangerous, and Vulnerable Elderly Man, who's family needs help (explain the language barrier), finding a solution to his wandering and threatening displays.

I would also continue to call the Police, at each and every time he steps onto your property, as this should not be allowed to continue. Your at risk and Eventually, they will have to take notice, and it will help you to build your case against him, Sadly.

Good luck, and take care of you, and your property!
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I think all the previous answers are good ones but I would take it a step further and see about obtaining a restraining order.
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I am a former police officer and a former court employee and I second the opinions about pressing charges. You will never get a conviction because Trespass and Breaking and entering are what are called "intent crimes" which means, you have to have the mental capacity to form intent. BUT, this would trigger a mental competency hearing. A good judge (and I worked for the best!) will use this as an opportunity to get him and the family the help that they need to manage him.
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I agree with Rainmom; a restraining order will force the hand of the local officers, I think, more effectively than anything else available to you.
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Agree with all the answers above. Call APS, call the police every time it happens & get a restraining order. You are going to have a baby to protect soon. You can't predict what he can do. Safety first.
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I totally agree with the answers above. Check your state laws to see what the rules for trespassing are and follow through with them. File charges. Even if they are only misdemeanors the family will have to deal with them. Perhaps utilize a camera to strengthen your case. Call out the local news reporters. Do whatever you have to do to rectify the situation. I'm sure you don't want a no trespassing sign on your door but you have to think about your child and even the man. Both need protection. Good luck and come back and let us know how it's going.
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Hello Pugmama. Yes I do agree with All above. This should be the most wonderful time for You now as You prepare to bring a new Life into the World, instead You are confronted with this Elderly Man trespassing onto Your property, Who is probably confused and lost and would do You no harm, none the less He should not be on Your property. I would advise You to ring the Police every time and eventually He will stop calling. You need only calm and peace and to feel free of stress right now. Good Luck Pugmama.
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Sad to say, Have your gun (if you have one) ready, in case he gets in. You don't know what he will do if he gets into your home. The safety of your family and you is what's important.
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Barb Brooklyn
A gun would do the trick as well.
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