How do you get rid of pranksters ringing my door bell?

[sunkist]

We have this kid in our neigherbood he is about 14 years old that pulls pranks on us, the day after Halloween I went to the mailbox and there eggs and dog poop in my mailbox I was so mad!!!! I had an idea who did it, while I was cleaning the mailbox out another kid in the neigberhood walked by and asked what I was doing, I told him "I thought I would just clean out the mailbox," I did not tell him what I was cleaning out, the kid said I know who put the dog poop in there it was _____. We did not talk to the parents, could not catch them at home. Besides they would probably not beleive us anyway. In the past several weeks we have had our doorbell ring in the middle of night. If we caught him red handed I think his parents would believe us. Does anyone have any suggestion on how to catch him ringing our doorbell in the middle of night? This kid is sneaky, I want to get him good (of course without holding us responsible )

 

[JR6ooo4]

We have this kid in our neigherbood he is about 14 years old that pulls pranks on us, the day after Halloween I went to the mailbox and there eggs and dog poop in my mailbox I was so mad!!!! I had an idea who did it, while I was cleaning the mailbox out another kid in the neigberhood walked by and asked what I was doing, I told him "I thought I would just clean out the mailbox," I did not tell him what I was cleaning out, the kid said I know who put the dog poop in there it was _____. We did not talk to the parents, could not catch them at home. Besides they would probably not beleive us anyway. In the past several weeks we have had our doorbell ring in the middle of night. If we caught him red handed I think his parents would believe us. Does anyone have any suggestion on how to catch him ringing our doorbell in the middle of night? This kid is sneaky, I want to get him good (of course without holding us responsible )

you can get a wireless infrared motion sensor camera that will video tape the culprit.

MIkeeee

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

I would probably install a hidden camera. It's hard to deny photographic evidence.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Get a security camera. They aren't that expensive and he probably won't even notice it. Good luck!

 

[DLBDS]

I hope you catch the little sucker! Remember, you can be just as sneaky as he is...

 

[marlynnp]

replace the doorbell with a shock buzzer

 

[tiggger1]

has it been the same time every night thing or once in a while thing? if it was the same time every night thing I would be waiting for the little brat with a hose... if it was a random thing I would do the video camera

 

[wdw4us2]

I have a cheaper solution - turn off the circuit breaker to your doorbell before you go to bed. It will take all his fun away!

 

[schmitty]

Bear trap.

 

[hiwaygal]

replace the doorbell with a shock buzzer

That was my idea!!!

 

[wardfamily1]

I'd put some vaseline or peanut butter on the button. The prankster will be so grossed out they're sure to not do it again.

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

Should've saved some of the mailbox "concoction" and spread it on your doorbell.

But it's too late for that.....

No real suggestions. I am not creative.

Just a for having to deal with the punk.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I would notify the police about the vandalism and now the middle of the night ringing the doorbell.

Ask their advise on what to do. It is amazing what having a policeman at your door asking questions can do for you

 

[Cinders]

I'd call his house when the doorbell rings. If it's midnight who cares hit the speed dial and ask them where their kid is right then. They say in bed tell them to go look because he just left your house. Sorry but if some kid wakes me up then I'm going to wake the parents up so they can join the "fun"


For a few months I had a druggie next door and a kid 2 streets over would visit this guy. The druggie would always give this kid cigs to smoke (prolly not all) while they sat out front. This kid used to harass younger DS when he'd ride his bike past his house so I tried to nicely talk to his mom...didn't work. So one night around 9 there was the kid next door smoking. I called his house got his dad and asked him where his kid was...he said ohh he's visiting his grandparents. I said nope!! He's on my street smoking with a druggie. His dad came over and reamed the kid and the druggie. No more problems for me!

 

[douglisa]

you can call the police and ask them to patrol the area around whatever time it usually happens

 

[davidsprincess]

Go ring your neighbors door bell at 2 in the morning if you feel up to it. If they complain just innocently say that you thought it was a new neighborhood tradition to ensure you each get up for work on time. on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

 

[eh24fan]

We had this happening for a while. After the 3rd time in ONE night, DFi took off out the door after them, yelling. Those kids were GONE. He's a big guy! But at the same time I was on the phone with the town police, explaining that I didn't know what else to do, they agreed that calling them was right. So they sent a patrol car that did more rounds than usual that night. They never bothered us again.

 

[Dr Pepsi]

You can get a nice bright light with a motion sensor fairly cheaply. The kid will probably stop when he realizes he will be in the spot light if he rings your bell.

 

[agnes!]

I like the motion detector w/bright light, coupled with the motion-activated infrared camera and the speed-dial phone #. After you've proven to yourself who the perp is with the camera set-up, then it's time to activate the 2nd part. Install the motion detector w/bright light AND put the little creep's home phone on speed dial. When your doorbell is rung, the light goes on and you hit speed-dial while your DH is calling the cops.

Outwitting incipient punks reminds me of my favorite movie quote of all time...
"Face it girls...I"m older and I have more insurance."

agnes!

 

[disykat]

A prank is a fake spider in your mailbox and MAYBE even a daytime ding-dong ditch (even that is stretching it). What you are experiencing is vandalism and harassment. I'd call the police non-emergency number (during the daytime, not when it is happening) and ask what they think you should do.

I also like the idea of speed-dialing the parents when it happens. The problem with that is that you don't know if the parents will care.