Just got back from the Brickyard 400. Nice lumber back there.

[Bill Wyko]

We got the coolest transportation to the race. A full Police escort hi speed, blowing through red lights like the president. All I could do is look at all the beautiful trees there that I could turn. I even got to ride in an official pace car around the track once. We also had a air condition suite at turn one. All I could think of was "MAN there's some great lumber here" Then I got home to find out that the kids that live behind my house were cought trying to get into my back yard and break into my new shop My neighbor cought them and they said "The cops can't do anything unless they catch us and you can't do anything because we're minors. So we can do anything we want and you can't touch us" What do you think I should do? You all know what I'd like to do but I'm a law biding citizen.

[Patrick Taylor]

What do you think I should do? You all know what I'd like to do but I'm a law biding citizen.

Electric fence!

[Tony De Masi]

Bill,

Unfortunately your neighbor had smoke blown up his back side. Every police department in the country has a juvenile section and it's not just for the kids who are caught. I would still file a police report as well. An attempted crime is still a punishable crime. All that's needed are the intent and the ability to carry out that intent.

I'm sure Robert will chime in on this when he can.


Tony

[Dick Strauss]

Bill,
Your neighbor can't touch them but the cops surely will. You better turn them in now and put the fear of god in them before they become serious criminals. If not, which one of your neighbors is next on their list (maybe it's you again!).

I suggest you talk to their parents first and let them know you'll be filing a police report. Tell the kids and parents that you'll press charges if the kids get into any trouble in the future.

I'll gladly step down form my box now,

Dick

[Mark Cothren]

...and they said "The cops can't do anything unless they catch us and you can't do anything because we're minors. So we can do anything we want and you can't touch us" What do you think I should do? You all know what I'd like to do but I'm a law biding citizen.

Don't know how it is where you are, but here in Conway, Arkansas I'm told (by the city police) that they will arrest a minor based on nothing but the word of an adult. That is sometimes a good thing, but is also kinda scary to me to think that some old hothead can just call in and report a kid for something and have them picked up.

[Bruce Page]

So Bill, how do you rate? Are you Tony's brother! I watched it on tv but there's nothing like being there.

For the hoodlums, file a police report, post signs & get a big dog...

[TYLER WOOD]

Sick em Bill!!

[Bill Wyko]

Actually the Cops agreed with the kids. They said they have to catch them in the act or there has to be damage and proof. I think they're gonna fall down the stairs.(stairs or not) My next door neighbor wants to strangle them I'm going to have my Lawyer send them a letter stating I'll sue for the price of the wall and any other damages done by them. 20k or so is about right. I just want to be left alone to do my woodwork and enjoy my life. I never did anything to these people, I've never even spoken to them in 10 years. Why can't people put as much effort into something good. It's so much more satisfying. Maby they need a lathe.

[Bill Wyko]

On the subject of the wood back there. All I can say is WOW. Everywhere I looked there was huge trees with Knots and crotches that would make some beautiful stuff. Here in the desert you would pay 10 bucks a pound or more for some of that stuff. For those of you that have that kind of wood at your fingertips, count your blessings.

[Ron Jones near Indy]

True about the wood, Bill. It's often free if there has been a storm or you know the property owner. Ain't God good to Indiana?

[Bill Wyko]

Yes indeed. If you ever find the urge to ship some walnut or maple out here I would get the urge to send you some Mesquite.

[John Shuk]

Maybe you could catch one of the kids alone and talk to him. I disrespected a neighborhood woman one time as a teen and the guy caught me outside the house one day and started BSing with me. (He really did talk to me not beat my butt as I deserved) We became pretty friendly. I think back to that and it kind of steered me in a different direction.

[Dick Strauss]

Bill,
Did you have a chat with their parents? If the parents are good people they may be able to handle it for you with some good old fashioned punishment.

I'm sorry to hear the police wouldn't help but don't do take the law into your own hands....See the story about Bill from Penn Woodz.

Good luck,
Dick

[Mark Pruitt]

Actually the Cops agreed with the kids. They said they have to catch them in the act or there has to be damage and proof.

OH, REALLY???

My neighbor cought them...

THERE'S YOUR PROOF!!! FRY THEIR LITTLE BUTTS!!!

[Bill Wyko]

This will give you an idea as to why they get away with this stuff. They live with their Grandmother because their mom is so irresponsible. We caught them a couple weeks ago tagging the walls in the alley. When we tried to talk to her she said "Well, when you build a wall like that, you're asking for it!" As she pat the kids on the head. Later that night they were partying in the pool. No punishment and no responsibility for their actions. This is whats wrong with so many kids these days. When I was a kid, I would have got the strap something fierce. I think a good solid wuupin would solve a whole lot of problems in society today IMHO