Sunday, September 16, 2007

An interesting use for a blog - tracking 911 calls

In my last post I complained about how tired I am and how much I've been sleeping lately. Tonight there was little sleep to be had. I was woken up by my neighbours' fighting again. This happens every 5-6 weeks, usually on a Saturday night/Sunday morning. They fight, they scream, they yell profanities, there's thumping (which we think might be the girl being slammed up against the wall by the fella, but we have no proof), she cries and pleads for him to stop.

Tonight I gave the wall a thump to let them know that the noise carries. I regret that now, as it only served to escalate the situation. He started yelling profanities at me through the wall. That carried on for about half an hour, after which I called 911.

I am hesitant to call the police because I fear that the fellow's temper may, at a later time, be turned on me, my car or my property. I've mentioned the situation to the president of our condo board, but only informally. But I understand that her hands are tied and she can't do much because she's doesn't witness or hear the situation herself. So tonight I called the police again - for the second time.

I was wondering how long it had been since the first call to the police and then remembered that I'd blogged about it. November 5, 2005 was the first time I called. That's almost two years ago. I feel that I've let thing go on for too long, because I hear them fight and I get scared myself and because I don't want to cause a fuss.

Tonight, as last time, the police came. The guy who lives next door swore there was no fighting. I think tonight he said something about me being crazy, though I can't be sure. Like last time, the police left and nothing happened.

I've now put my concerns in writing for the board. I mentioned that this was my second call to the police. In my letter to them I noted when the first call was. I must say that I never thought I'd end up using my blog to track 911 calls!

The noise that wakes us up is distressing. (And I say "us" because they've now woken up one present and one past tenant as well.) The fact that we believe the girl is in danger of physical harm is even more disturbing. What's most exasperating though is that the police come and then leave again and nothing is done.

Well, here is 5:00 a.m. and I'm going to try to go back to bed for a while...

6 comments:

ipm said...

there is little else you can do, which isn't much help. but one never knows what our actions can lead too...

maybe somehow the girl will eventually realize how bad the situation she is in is. maybe you calling the police will one day help her see she is a valuable human being and this chap doesn't deserve her...

at least you had the blog for evidence!

psbowe said...

That's disturbing...because you figure, maybe the next time, it might really go too far, either the girl will 'snap' and do him in, or he will. sorry, i don't have much advice except keep alerting the police... i guess.

Turtle Guy said...

As a landlord, I've on occasion wondered what might happen if this scenareo were to unfold in my home.

I have been extremely fortunate with all my renters; even at their worst, I've experienced nothing like this.

Anonymous said...

I'd use my little handheld recorder to record some of this, if you can. At least then you have some real "evidence" to counter the guy's "no fighting going on here" defence. Do you have such a device? They're not too expensive, and I carry one around when I'm busy to make notes to self instead of getting out paper and writing things down. It is a quick and easy way to make reminders to myself, and then listen to the tape when I get home and write down things as needed. If it's loud, the recorder should pick it up, especially the profanities through the wall at you! Horrible situation...I certainly think it should be carefully documented.

wthenrest said...

That is very disturbing.It doesn,t make your homelife very relaxing either. I lived next to a mother that would scream at her son. It is really difficult to know what the right thing is. This boy was being helped by others in the building. He wasn't physically abused but the emotional is even worse. I don't think it is a clear ut thing...especially if she won't help herself.
Hopefully the police can do something before a tragedy happens.

Madcap said...

I've used my blog for chronological reminders too.

Sorry you've got noisy neighbours. That's pretty distressing, especially given the circumstances.