Mums' Army: Stories of antisocial behaviour

Since Andrea Blagg’s family moved into their new home they have been targeted by antisocial neighbours.
Having reached the end of her tether, Andrea, contacted Mums’ Army and said: ‘It started with youths kicking balls at our garage. We asked nicely time and time again for them to stop, but they ignored us and called us insulting names.
‘When our friend’s car was dented outside our house we decided to gather video evidence of any more criminal damage. Even though the police agreed this was a good idea, our neighbours brandished us paedophiles and we were ordered to stop because they made a complaint - while our complaints made no difference.
‘The abuse continued and the police told us to keep antisocial behaviour diaries. But things only got worse and I was punched in the face by a neighbour who warned me not to call the police again.
‘Determined to stand my ground, I reported the incident. After five days my neighbour was arrested and only received a caution for the assault, as the police didn't bother taking it to court.
‘The neighbours involved have been warned by the council but still the abuse, intimidation and harassment continue. We’re told that four diaries filled with incidents of antisocial behaviour aren’t enough evidence, and we've had enough. Things have to change, and antisocial behaviour has to be tackled now.’
Andrea Blagg,
Luton, Bedfordshire
E-mail: andrea.blagg@virgin.net

Sickened that her mother is victimised by local youths, Gemma Bailey contacted Mums’ Army.
Gemma, 21, says: ‘My mum suffers terribly as young people play football and cause havoc at the side of her house.
'Their abuse is absolutely disgusting and they constantly swear at her but nothing has been done about it.
‘A lot of car crime and criminal damage is carried out during the night but the council and police don’t seem to see how serious it is.
‘I hope that by joining Mums’ Army I’ll be able to help make my area a decent place to live.’
Gemma Bailey,
St Leonards, East Sussex
E-mail: gemma.bailey@yahoo.co.uk

When the council put up new housing opposite her home Laura Thomas and her family suffered.
Laura, 20, explains: ‘They built on our community play area and the people who moved in there made our lives hell.
'My brother, sister and I were bullied. They taunted my mum, threw things at the house and damaged our car.
‘When we asked the council to fix the problem they offered no solutions. No one helped. The police told us to keep a log of the incidents but that didn't achieve anything.
‘I’m joining Mums’ Army for my mum Lynn and all the others who have suffered because of abusive yobs.’
Laura Thomas,
Ely, Cardiff
E-mail: dude2sweet228378@hotmail.com

When her friend’s 10-year-old daughter found a plastic bag full of used syringes, Iona Brand said: 'Enough is enough.'
Iona, 38, called Mums’ Army and said: ‘It’s shocking that drug addicts are dumping their dirty needles where our children play.
‘There have been problems here for more than 10 years and we're still fobbed off by the authorities, who are allowing drug users to put our lives at risk.
‘I’m joining Mums’ Army because we deserve a safe place to bring up our kids. I'll do whatever I can to clean up our community.’
Iona Brand,
Leven, Fife
E-mail: mike.iona@blueyonder.co.uk

Returning home from holiday, Lisa Behrendt and her disabled son Liam, 11, were greeted by the gang of yobs that had been tormenting them for months.
Lisa, 30, said: ‘There were 15 of them standing on my wall and around the garden path. They hurled their usual sick abuse at us, teasing Liam about his wheelchair and speech problems.
‘He was distraught and I couldn't take any more. I confronted the ringleader and said: ‘I’ve had enough of the upset you cause. Leave my son alone!’
He was so shocked I'd stood up to him that he tripped over his bike and ran home.
‘Three days later, I was arrested. The boy claimed I'd attacked him and I was accused of all sorts of other things.
'Thankfully the police were sympathetic. They believed that I hadn’t touched him, and they could see I was at the end of my tether after suffering months of abuse.
‘My family and I keep to ourselves but I refuse to stand by and watch innocent people - especially children with disabilities - being bullied.
'I hope that by speaking out about what has happened to us, I can help other decent families gain the strength to fight back.’

When Alexis Noble allowed her two daughters to play outside their home in the early evening, she was horrified to find that they were threatened by a knife-wielding gang.
Alexis, 48, decided to contact Mums’ Army. She said: ‘A group of teenage boys approached them, pulled out a knife, then laughed in their faces.’
Her daughters Grace, eight, and Amy, 13, ran home in tears.
‘I have three children who are all well behaved and I don’t want to live like this,' says Alexis. 'It isn't safe to go out at night while gangs of youths hang about on street corners.
‘I know there are others here who feel the same. They're scared. I haven’t seen any police officers on our streets and we have no support.
‘When I read about Mums’ Army I knew it was my chance to do something. If more people help, more will be done.’
Alexis Noble,
Irlam, Greater Manchester
E-mail: alexislesleynoble@yahoo.co.uk