Mount Pleasant DC Forum

sarah92832 · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 13

There has been an ongoing problem with people hanging out in the space between my house and the house next door, drinking, smoking pot, and recently it seems, doing worse (today they started a fire against the wall of the house next door). The landlord next door has posted signs saying "no trespassing: will call police," so I know that I can call the police, but I have to imagine that unless there's a serious crime being committed by the kids, responding to this type of call is probably low on their list of priorities.

In addition, one of the things that makes this such a popular spot to hang out is that if police approach from the front, the kids can just run out through the alley, and vice versa (this happened today when the firemen arrived).

Any suggestions on what I can do about this problem?

atch · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 11

I recently noticed some suspicious activity by 5 or 6 young (14-18 y/o) kids on my block. Though I was not certain, they seemed to be trying to steal a car. I hesitated calling the police because I was not certain they were doing anything illegal, but later I did call after noticing that two of them drove off in a car, while the other three wandered off in different directions.

I then called 311 (police non-emergency line), and was fully expecting to be on hold and/or have some unhelpful operator question why I was reporting a "non-crime".

Much to my surprise, the police were extremely patient and helpful as I explained "well, I think I sort of saw some kids steal a car, but I'm not certain it wasn't theirs." The operator told me it was actually OK to call 911 in situations where I believe a crime is taking place, or if I see someone acting suspiciously.

In your situation, it appears that a crime is being committed. Smoking pot is illegal, as is underage drinking, so you should be ok to call 911 to report that. If you're not quite comfortable with 911, definitely call 311 to report it, and the police will respond.

When the police do respond, explain to them the dilemma of the kids running out the back when they show up at the front and vice versa. You may be able to work with the police to figure something out with this. My experience with neighborhood police is that they are quite responsive, and they will give you their card with the direct sub-station number to call in certain circumstances.

Also, you should share with the police your photos.

Hope this helps.

sarah92832 · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 13

Thanks, this does help. I will try calling 311 in the future and talking with the police when they show up. I guess I was slightly discouraged by my experience with the firemen today--nothing extremely negative, they just checked out the situation and drove off when it was clear that the fire was out and the kids were gone, and I didn't get a chance to talk to them. I don't really know where I should send my pictures.

PSA301Lieutenant · Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 18

What is the address so that we can give this location special attention. I will have the officer stop by daily.

sarah92832 · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 13

My address is 1654 Park Rd, and the kids hang out between my house and the house next door (I think it's 1656--anyway, it's the house to the west of mine). The kids are usually there in the evenings, from around 6:30 to 11pm. Thank you so much!