Darned Kids @#&$!

[MarkV]

How about a sit down with the tenant Mom and the two boys? If they are only 10 you should be able to scare them with talk about the police investigating and what the police will do to who ever is caught without actually saying they did it. It is pretty likely they did it or know who instigated it. Maybe you can get a friendly police officer to ask the questions and watch them sweat. That should keep them away at least until they are teens.

MarkV

 

[SnoFalls]

I'd say call the police and when they show up explain what you think the situ is) ... have them "dust" for fingerprints and also suggest to the parents it's a good idea for their kids to get fingerprinted (in case of abduction, etc) ...

I bet you would quickly see how the "dust" falls

 

[Wesdor]

Nearly 40 years ago, my parents had two kids in the area that were potential trouble. They took these two boys "under their wing" and saved them both from prison. Sadly one of them is no longer alive, but the other is now nearly a son to my mother. He still raises a lot of "H***", but he is a hard worker and solid citizen.

It sounds like you aren't on site much of the time, so involving the boys in the operation might be impossible. Sure you can lay down the law, call the police, etc. but in the long run the only options I see you having are to kick the tenants out or find a way to involve them.

BTW - we are all assuming it is her two boys. It might be someone else. And that can be a bigger problem for you and for your tenants. But I'm guessing you are correct in the identification.

 

[scott_vt]

I'd say call the police and when they show up explain what you think the situ is) ... have them "dust" for fingerprints and also suggest to the parents it's a good idea for their kids to get fingerprinted (in case of abduction, etc) ...

I bet you would quickly see how the "dust" falls

Mornin Snofalls,
Id have to agree with your assesment on this one, that would scare the heck out of those kids !

Getting to know those kids would help also, as another poster aptly stated, let them get involved doing some project with you and they will look at you and your possesions in a different light !

 

[Captinjack]

If you want to catch however is doing this, simply buy a game camera that works off infrared and you can have a picture with the day date and time.

These can cost as little as $50 to ten times that amount.

Be certain that they can't steal the camera. They have models that use infrared flash that is invisible to the human eye and being digital are totally quiet as well.

I use several on my property and let all know that the property is under surveillance. This has worked real well for me.

 

[rox]

Captinjack, taht is an excellent suggestion about the cameras.
Pennwalk, In my mind the situation has escalated. It is rather different to sneak into a big barn by finding a key that happens to work as opposed to destryong property. Int eh first instance there was no destruction, jstu mischeif shall we say. Now whoever is doing this, they ahve escalated so I would do both. i would call the police for sure. you cna't destroy my propertyw ithout me filign a police report and since you are not at the property i would install a hidden camera. I would not let it go on without taking more decisive action. heck for allt he money you paid on locks you could ahve gotten a camera!

 

[Champy]

It might help to sit down with the mother and boys to enlist their "help" in catching whoever is breaking into your barns. Perhaps offer them a finders fee / reward for their assistance and give 'em your cell number. Explain that you've already contacted the sheriff who is now watching the place closer and that when they find out who is doing it, the crooks will be going to prison for B&E, etc.....

1 - You may just scare the boys into behaving (if its them)
2 - If its not them, perhaps they can help you out by alerting you of a problem

 

[Tig]

Champy that is similar to what I was going to suggest. I caught the neighbourhood gremlins in some harmless nonsense one midnight. They played innocent so I played dumb and asked them to keep an eye out for the real troublemakers. They agreed to help. They probably laughed after I left, I know I did. After that we didn't have any more problems.

 

[Slacker]

I just wanted to say this thread has reminded me of my childhood. I was one of the little "hoodlums" who would do mischief like the original poster describes. The psychology used on me was simple, I got whooped with the "gord stick". Not really beaten, but a big deal was made of the operation.
Of course all other options were exhausted before that decision was made.
Just talk to the kids first, but have the "gord stick" visable. fyi, the stick was used for guiding oxen teams and was nothing more than a carved hardwood switch.
Thanks for the fond memories of childhood and good luck with your problem.

 

[mikim]

I got whooped with the "gord stick". For me it was a willow switch ... that I was required to cut off the tree ...and it better be big enough the first time! That was the tough part -- fetching my own punishment.