What should I do?

themexican

Okay so first of all let me start off with the background story. So my brother's ex-girlfriend/ baby mama has been sending one of her friends to break his windows. After the second time we went out and bought cameras to see if you catch them. We caught it on video four different times and we filed police reports every single one of those times and the times that we didn't get them on camera. So last night they came again but in a different car I filed a police report and again the cops told me that they're going to investigate it. Haven't received one single call from the police they haven't asked me for any of the video evidence except for the nights that it happened they wanted to see them. One of the nights I even stayed out in my car and actually got their license plates gave that information to the police but still it keep happening so I'm assuming the cops haven't done anything. So finally, my question is what do you guys think my next steps should be? Can I sue them? If I ask the cops to give me the license plate information to see where they live will they give it to me? And what can I legally do if I catch them breaking the windows?

knitdan

Let the cops handle it, and give them time to do so.

Cops will not give you the person's address.

If you catch them in the act, legally you can pick up the phone and call the cops.

Do not use force of any kind.

Local H Jay

To throw in a personal anecdote, I had an issue when I first moved to Austin where someone broke into my house, and stole items as we were sleeping... twice. First time, we filed a police report and kept the case number and name of the officer assigned to it. Second time it happened, they stole and used my debit card at a nearby 7/11. I went to that store to get the license plate from their cameras, and reported the info to the police.

Now, despite me giving the cops my original case # and asking for it to be handled by the same officer, they somehow created a new, seperate case # with info I provided. The cops did find and catch the man responsible, and while he pawned most of my items he still had my wallet and ID.

Because of the multiple case #'s, I had to call back numerous times asking for the orginal officer. When I finally got a hold of him, he realized what had happened and told me to come to the station with both case #s.

So! Basically, I did all the leg work to catch the guy, including provding them the transaction history for my debit card and his license #... and still had to follow up multiple times just to get 1/10th of my stuff back. Yes, you should let the cops handle it. But be organized and stay in contact with them. Keep the same officer or detective if possible, and make sure every time you call you have the correct info. Don't stop calling and always provide as much info as possible.

LostNinja

themexican wrote: »

So finally, my question is what do you guys think my next steps should be? Can I sue them? If I ask the cops to give me the license plate information to see where they live will they give it to me? And what can I legally do if I catch them breaking the windows?

Sue the individuals doing the vandalism, or the police? The former, yes, absolutely, though I'd wait until the police actually resolve the situation first to increase your odds of success. The later would be a waste of time.

They will not give you the license info. That would be illegal on their part.

Legally, if you catch them in the act just film it and call the police the second you see them pull up to your property. Also consider a restraining order.

The best advice would really be to keep collecting evidence and reporting it as you have, and maybe continue to check back in frequently with them to see if there has been any progress.

schuss

Go to your local news outlet with the story of how you've caught them on video multiple times and the police have done nothing.

DivideByZero

Inform your brother's ex that you've set up cameras and will be forwarding all the evidence including license plate numbers to the police. When she denies any involvement, remind her that she can be charged as an accessory if it continues.

Sometimes (most times) the wheels turn slowly so this should help stop the vandalism in the meantime.

hsu

I would talk to a lawyer and see if you can sue the owner of the car for vandalism in civil court, and impose a restraining order on him in criminal court. Use the video evidence you've gained to show that you have just cause to obtain a name from the license plate in order to sue. If you have a good enough case, the state will release the owner's name to you, given a license plate. If you hire a private investigator, they'll probably be able to find out the owner's name too. Basically, figure out the guy's name, and fuck him over through the legal system.

The Crowing One

Call a lawyer.