Weddingbee boards

About 4 or 5 months ago the neighbor kids were playing basketball in our driveway without permission when they thought no one was home. Our basketball hoop has been there for almost 20 years and I guess one of them dunked on it or something and caused it to come falling down, within about a foot of damaging our house. At approximately this time Hubs pulled up from work and I came outside. The boys went running and when a adult came out it was just like a maintance man that their family hired and he said it was our fault because it was rotted. About 2 days later we came home and saw the children's father in our driveway taking pictures of the down poll etc. He asked me to send my father over later (my parents own the house and were in the process of moving out- we're now the sole residents). My step father went over that evening and the father said they would have the hoop removed and also have the part where it was broken off removed from the ground and that he would keep his kids off our property. Two weeks later the hoop was still there and we dragged it to the road and either the trash or someone else picked it up. The broken piece still stands. About a week after that we got notice from code enforcement that things had been reported around our house (a shed they said wasnt permitted which is, and all other bogus complaints). We've since then found out the neighbor works for the county and was most likely responsible for the complaints. To cut a long story short the other day the children's basketball ended up in our back yard. We were home and would have happily got the ball for them had they knocked on the door to let us know. Instead when we let our dog out we caught them jumping our fence to get their ball. I understand its not a huge deal but I still feel its inappropriate, especially since we do have a pool and could be a safety issue. Obviously speaking to the parents again isnt going to help based on the issues that resulted previously. What would you do?

I third calling the police, and maybe taking pictures of them in the yard so you have backup.  I know they aren't pretty, but maybe no trespassing signs, too, so in case something does happen you can show that you did pretty much everything possible.

I think you should talk to the parents first. Be friendly and neighborly about it, say you know if your kids' ball comes in our yard, just come knock on our door. We'll get it for you. But please don't jump over the fence, because we do have a dog, and I don't want you guys getting hurt in the process.

Document when you talk to them, and if it happens again, then get the police involved.

I would definitly talk to the parents again and make sure they understand where you are coming from as far as safety. Be the more responible person. It might be a weird or uncomfortable conversation but if you plan on living there awhile I would think you would want to be on good terms with your neighbors. Once you start calling the police you can't go back. IMO. It usually turns ugly and then they will call the police on you for every little thing. I think it would turn into a lot of drama.

Thanks for all the advice.

To clarify on a few things- our fence is locked on both sides and only gets unlocked when the lawn maintance guy comes then is promptly relocked once he is finished. Our pool is a above ground pool so its not like they would be falling into it or anything- they would have to knowingly climb a ladder to get into it (and the children we're talking about are teenagers so should definitely know better). The pool is actually drained for winter right now but it is still a valid concern for most times of year.

My husband actually ran into the father outside last night and calmly asked him to please ask his children to knock on the door if they're missing a ball rather than jumping our fence. The man mumbled under his breath and walked away. So if we see it again we'll take pictures and take further action.

Thanks again everyone

It just sounds like these neighbours are going to be a little less friendly than you would like. I think your husband was in the right by calmly talking to the father, but unfortunately some people are just extremely defensive. I agree with the other posters that you should document everything. I would still try to be civil when speaking with your neighbours, even if they arent because it will always reflect better on you, especially if it ever gets lega. It's too bad that they are acting this way - hope it all works out!