Call the Guards or no?

maxsmum

I've noticed neighbours having people over recently. Last night two sets had people call over with beers, sitting out and enjoying the evening sun. I have a kid out of school and two of us trying to juggle work at home around this. We haven't seen anyone outside the home in nearly a month and it's causing a lot of tension at home, though we know its temporary. I also know someone who couldn't go to a family funeral or say goodbye to a grandparent dying because of the restrictions. So it really makes me annoyed to see other people flouting the restrictions because they aren't affected.
My husband reckons now that Garda regulations are enforceable (so i understand it) we should be reporting them. I am hesitant - I feel if we are doing our bit, then we should mind our own business. I wouldn't want neighbours thinking it was us either. What do others think?

stephenjmcd

maxsmum wrote: »

I've noticed neighbours having people over recently. Last night two sets had people call over with beers, sitting out and enjoying the evening sun. I have a kid out of school and two of us trying to juggle work at home around this. We haven't seen anyone outside the home in nearly a month and it's causing a lot of tension at home, though we know its temporary. I also know someone who couldn't go to a family funeral or say goodbye to a grandparent dying because of the restrictions. So it really makes me annoyed to see other people flouting the restrictions because they aren't affected.
My husband reckons now that Garda regulations are enforceable (so i understand it) we should be reporting them. I am hesitant - I feel if we are doing our bit, then we should mind our own business. I wouldn't want neighbours thinking it was us either. What do others think?

Ring them, as much as I'd normally say each to their own, this is an exceptional public health event and people should have the cop on not to gather in groups.

Perfectly within your right to report it and the gardai now have the power to enter the house and break up gatherings

Rodney Bathgate

Go for it, OP.

Polar101

Might have to wait until "the others" are there again before ringing, not sure what the guards could do about past gatherings.

endainoz

Some neighbours ye are. I would say to each their own.

stephenjmcd

Polar101 wrote: »

Might have to wait until "the others" are there again before ringing, not sure what the guards could do about past gatherings.

Yeah there is this, they would have to be doing it again when you report it.

Fr Tod Umptious

We are just about to turn into East Germany, reporting our neighbours to the authorities because of what we think they are doing.

Maybe your neighbours don't leave the house otherwise OP.

Maybe their visitors only leave their house to visit them.

Little chance of spread if that is the case.

I'm all for isolating my own family and abiding by the restrictions but I'm not going to call the Gardai just because I think someone else is not.

I wouldnt (would avoid your neighbours though)

The gaurds will long forget you once this over,your neighbours wont forget ya calling gaurds on em

Jim_Hodge

endainoz wrote: »

Some neighbours ye are. I would say to each their own.

To each their own doesn't come in to it when they are potentially putting lives at risk.

iamwhoiam

Sitting out enjoying the sun in the back garden ? Maybe they were two metres apart and keeping their distance .
I see people here having long conversations in the front gardens . A good two metres apart and no contact .

Vittu

We have seen the same in our estate, it annoys us but we say nothing. Mainly its kids and parents mingling. Impossible to keep kids apart when outside. The thing is no matter the rule/request/situation there will always be those who disregard it. As long as the majority adhere to the guidelines that is more important.

CWF

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I wouldnt (would avoid your neighbours though)

The gaurds will long forget you once this over,your neighbours wont forget ya calling gaurds on em

Yeah that's what I'd be saying too. Very tricky situation though.

un5byh7sqpd2x0

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Maybe their visitors only leave their house to visit them.

That’s illegal.

splinter65

My neighbour has brought her new boyfriend to live with her in the last week. They’ve decided that other friends can visit and stay overnight too. She has a 9 year old daughter. Lover boy was out cutting the grass yesterday evening. General holiday atmosphere about them.

sondagefaux

maxsmum wrote: »

I've noticed neighbours having people over recently. Last night two sets had people call over with beers, sitting out and enjoying the evening sun. I have a kid out of school and two of us trying to juggle work at home around this. We haven't seen anyone outside the home in nearly a month and it's causing a lot of tension at home, though we know its temporary. I also know someone who couldn't go to a family funeral or say goodbye to a grandparent dying because of the restrictions. So it really makes me annoyed to see other people flouting the restrictions because they aren't affected.
My husband reckons now that Garda regulations are enforceable (so i understand it) we should be reporting them. I am hesitant - I feel if we are doing our bit, then we should mind our own business. I wouldn't want neighbours thinking it was us either. What do others think?

As I understand it, the Gardai only got the powers to enforce regulations from today. So any past behaviour wasn't a Garda matter.

It's your choice, but I would bear in mind that you'll be living with these neighbours for a long time after the restrictions end.

Lollipops23

I would; the longer people like your neighbours flout the rules, the longer we all have to stay home.

AtomicHorror

endainoz wrote: »

Some neighbours ye are. I would say to each their own.

Will it still be to each their own when someone you care about is in danger? Will the right to have a party seem important then?

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Sitting out enjoying the sun in the back garden ? Maybe they were two metres apart and keeping their distance .
I see people here having long conversations in the front gardens . A good two metres apart and no contact .

Or maybe they're not, and it's not OPs job to assume that or figure it out. Call the guards and let them make the determination.

Fr Tod Umptious

Olive Chilly Blackhead wrote: »

That’s illegal.

Yes I know it's against the current restrictions but some people will decide to do that and otherwise adhere to all the other restrictions.

Just like the man I saw shopping in Aldi on Sunday.
He looked well over 70, based on the restrictions he should not have been in Aldi, but I didn't report him.

If we start reporting everyone each and every time we see someone ignoring the restrictions then people like the OP will get even more stressed because the Gardai will not be chasing up on all of them.

iamwhoiam

AtomicHorror wrote: »

Will it still be to each their own when someone you care about is in danger? Will the right to have a party seem important then?



Or maybe they're not, and it's not OPs job to assume that or figure it out. Call the guards and let them make the determination.

Fair enough . But I would check my facts before involving the guards .

Penfailed

endainoz wrote: »

Some neighbours ye are. I would say to each their own.

Some neighbours THEY are. They're increasing the risk of spread. It's selfish.

Rodney Bathgate

It is in everyone’s interest that this behaviour is stopped ASAP.

endainoz

AtomicHorror wrote: »

Will it still be to each their own when someone you care about is in danger? Will the right to have a party seem important then?



Or maybe they're not, and it's not OPs job to assume that or figure it out. Call the guards and let them make the determination.

https://youtu.be/LR4bcuOBRLA

biko

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Maybe your neighbours don't leave the house otherwise OP.
Maybe their visitors only leave their house to visit them.
Little chance of spread if that is the case.

Pure conjecture and guesswork.

OP, do report them if you think you should.
Some people think this is a free holiday, and it's not.
It's a ****ing quarantine eejits, stay the **** at home so you don't get people killed!

Rodney Bathgate

Lots of self entitled people around who seem to think they are somehow exempt from the rules. Idiots.

punisher5112

Brother in law is quite ill and needs a transplant, didn't stop him going over to a mates house to have a few beers.

Huge risk as the other lad is out dealing with the public so they really shouldn't be anywhere near eachother....

Maybe ring the guards and ask them if they would do drive arounds in your estate/area. That way they are not stopping any individuals but the neighbourhood will see an active presence and hopefully think twice.

Fr Tod Umptious

biko wrote: »

Pure conjecture and guesswork.

But equally from the OP

How much do they know about their neighbours visitors lives ?

Kivaro

Lollipops23 wrote: »

I would; the longer people like your neighbours flout the rules, the longer we all have to stay home.

We all need to remember this part.

biko

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

How much do they know about their neighbours visitors lives ?

More than you I bet

AtomicHorror

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Fair enough . But I would check my facts before involving the guards .

By doing what? Spying on the neighbors? Using a laser level check they're 2 meters apart? Come on.

Billhook

I notice my neighbours at something similar, but I don't want to shop them.
Curtain twitching isn't my thing, not into the whole neighbour against neighbour thing.
I might need them myself some time.

Drawing attention to myself as a snitch/tout or social justice warrior to the guards isn't a good thing.

If they're not interfering with me, that's ok.

That'll come back to bite you.

Penfailed

AtomicHorror wrote: »

By doing what? Spying on the neighbors? Using a laser level check they're 2 meters apart? Come on.

You can't check distance apart using a laser level...

Rodney Bathgate

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Yes I know it's against the current restrictions but some people will decide to do that and otherwise adhere to all the other restrictions.

Just like the man I saw shopping in Aldi on Sunday.
He looked well over 70, based on the restrictions he should not have been in Aldi, but I didn't report him.

If we start reporting everyone each and every time we see someone ignoring the restrictions then people like the OP will get even more stressed because the Gardai will not be chasing up on all of them.

It is not their decision to make. End of story.

whisky_galore

Billhook wrote: »

I notice my neighbours at something similar, but I don't want to shop them.
Curtain twitching isn't my thing, not into the whole neighbour against neighbour thing.
I might need them myself some time.

Drawing attention to myself as a snitch/tout or social justice warrior to the guards isn't a good thing.

If they're not interfering with me, that's ok.

That'll come back to bite you.

So it's ok if people die as a result so long as your street cred is intact?

These are not normal times, grow up.

AtomicHorror

endainoz wrote: »

https://youtu.be/LR4bcuOBRLA

Maybe you can be the funniest guy in the ICU. Except of course it'll probably be someone else who has to pay because you think it's all a big joke.

AtomicHorror

Penfailed wrote: »

You can't check distance apart using a laser level...

Yes that's the important take-home here.

I mean, I own one that does exactly that but whatever.

endainoz

AtomicHorror wrote: »

Maybe you can be the funniest guy in the ICU. Except of course it'll probably be someone else who has to pay because you think it's all a big joke.

I have no problem staying at home and abiding by the rules but reporting in your neighbours is a busybody thing to do. Its not like they are calling into the OPs house for tea. Unless a house party breaks out there's not much point calling the guards. They have enough to be at these days.

Billhook

whisky_galore wrote: »

So it's ok if people die as a result so long as your street cred is intact?

No not really, its just I don't want to put my neighbours in a position ill regret.
We're all adults here, and if I'm going to turn into a vigilante and start calling the guards then I will be crossing my personal boundaries.

We live in the country side and seeing into their garden they're only sitting in the garden well apart.
They've been good neighbours and if they're well apart they're abiding by the rules.

You're suggesting people are going to die so I don't loose my rural cred?

I like the way you suggest that if I don't do anything about it it'll be my fault if someone dies.
And it'll ruin my credibility.

Am I responsible for my neighbours actions?

If you want to be twitching curtains and go running to the law and get your neighbours in trouble away with you.

I live alone and am abiding with the lockdown etc

Street cred, come on where do you think I am?

Im in an old converted country farmhouse, living on my own beside a house that's like something out of Downtown Abbey.

It'll look great seeing the guards driving up my neighbours avenue and them being told, Willy your neighbour is after telling us you had visitors yesterday evening.

He said that you're potentially going to kill each other and everyone else in the vicinity.

And if he didn't tell us we'd have to arrest him and ruin his rural cred.

My dad was a barrister and he always said, "son never rat out any of your neighbours" , mind your business and walk your own path in life.

Street cred pffft

tdf7187

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

We are just about to turn into East Germany, reporting our neighbours to the authorities because of what we think they are doing.

Maybe your neighbours don't leave the house otherwise OP.

Maybe their visitors only leave their house to visit them.

Little chance of spread if that is the case.

I'm all for isolating my own family and abiding by the restrictions but I'm not going to call the Gardai just because I think someone else is not.

Agree, it reminds me of the lyrics from The Wanderer:

'where men can't walk
or freely talk
and sons turn their fathers in'

LadyMayBelle

I hear your frustration tho OP, we have a similar situation where we can see our neighbours front yard clearly. At least 4 times a day cars pull up (I reckon it's 3 of the homeowners kids and their own kids). Kids play out front and the families chat. I have to assume social distancing but it grinds me down as I've no contact with my family or the inlaws in a month, have missed an important birthday and dealing with my toddler not seeing his grandparents. I can't control it their actions and as hard as it is somedays, I have a good rant about it and then leave it to get on with my day. I think any efforts to do anything would be fruitless. I just hope ppl cop on.

paw patrol

While I believe people should follow the guidelines this whole situation has encouraged a whole cohort of telltales in society. People only too happy to tell the authorities on the neighbours in return for a pat on the back and some internet kudos.

Sounds very similar to north korea and the local party honchos ratting on neighbours. No doubt it was drilled into them that it was for the greater good.
there nothing worse than a rat.

We currently live in a police state , where they stop you ,check your address and where you are going and order you home if you don't satisfy them. With the powers to enter you home to check you are being compliant.

Terrible that people here are actually cheerleading while their freedoms are eroded.
Anybody that supports this level of state power is a moron

Witcher

Billhook wrote: »

My dad was a barrister and he always said, "son never rat out any of your neighbours" , mind your business and walk your own path in life.

Billhook wrote: »

Im not giving anyone credit really but coming from the hood myself, I have an idea about how they think etc.

Grew up in the 'hood' but your oul lad was a barrister...will ya go away with your fairy tales:pac:

suicide_circus

i live in an area where if it became known that i "ratted" a neighbour out to the gardai, my windows would be smashed in and the house would quite prossibly be torched. In the spirit of 1798, they dont care for an informant in these parts.

Penfailed

AtomicHorror wrote: »

Yes that's the important take-home here.

I mean, I own one that does exactly that but whatever.

I was being facetious. Your level must be very fancy. Mine just does levels.

Foweva Awone

paw patrol wrote: »

While I believe people should follow the guidelines this whole situation has encouraged a whole cohort of telltales in society. People only too happy to tell the authorities on the neighbours in return for a pat on the back and some internet kudos.

Sounds very similar to north korea and the local party honchos ratting on neighbours. No doubt it was drilled into them that it was for the greater good there nothing worse than a rat.

We currently live in a police state , where they stop you ,check your address and where you are going and order you home if you don't satisfy them. With the powers to enter you home to check you are being compliant.

Terrible that people here are actually cheerleading while their freedoms are eroded.
Anybody that supports this level of state power is a moron

Ok Gemma

Emme

OP I can understand where you're coming from. I have also been working from home since all this began and apart from having no commute it's pretty full on. I'm having to sit in and work during all this sunshine and we're expected to go the extra mile and be there during lunch hours and outside normal work hours as well. There are conferences, courses and meetings arranged throughout the day which means that I can't get out for even 20 minutes. It's annoying that I'm not getting to do all the "fun" things everyone else is talking about or even catch up on extra cleaning in the house like I hoped to but I'm grateful that I still have a job.

Are your neighbours affecting you directly? Are they leaning over the fence and spitting at you and your children? Are they throwing used tissues and gloves into your garden?

If they are doing none of the above I would leave it. Perhaps they have lost their jobs due to covid-19. I'm all for reporting those who spit in the faces of innocent people but as far as your neighbours are concerned live and let live.

Coronavirus will pass. It will not be forgotten but neither will sneaks and grasses. That's what we used to call people who reported others before all this happened.

My advice is don't bother reporting your neighbours. You have more important things to do and be thankful for that.

paw patrol

Foweva Awone wrote: »

Ok Gemma

If that's the best retort you can come up then ...:rolleyes:

splinter65

endainoz wrote: »

I have no problem staying at home and abiding by the rules but reporting in your neighbours is a busybody thing to do. Its not like they are calling into the OPs house for tea. Unless a house party breaks out there's not much point calling the guards. They have enough to be at these days.

You don’t get it at all. We are trying to prevent the spread of the virus so that we can get control over it so that we can all go back to living our normal lives as soon as possible. So only necessary journeys outside the home are allowed.
If Mary and Joe next door are bringing John and Kathleen and Michael and Kate from other homes to their home then they are potentially spreading the virus between the three houses unnecessarily. If one of them gets sick then they will all have to be tested (we don’t have enough testing equipment) and they will potentially all need hospital treatment (we don’t have enough hospital beds).
It’s not really that hard to understand.

Foweva Awone

You know I was just talking to my psychiatrist about this the other day (via video call!) Obviously as a doctor, she's very much in favour of taking every precaution to reduce the spread, but she said that we also need to be mindful of people's mental health and emotional needs, and make reasonable allowances for this.

There's not much point keeping someone physically well if the isolation and anxiety will drive them to suicidal thoughts.

You just don't know what's going on with a person ... in this case, I'd personally be inclined to live and let live.

CrankyHaus

I'd reserve reporting anything for the most egregious cases, the Gardai don't have the resources to respond to much more than that anyway.

If a culture of reporting develops you'll see the usual eejits who love policing other people's activity wasting Garda time to report young people innocently dropping food into their elderly parents, just like all the rabble-rousing about Dublin reg cars that's currently going on down the country.

neckedit

paw patrol wrote: »

While I believe people should follow the guidelines this whole situation has encouraged

We currently live in a police state , where they stop you ,check your address and where you are going and order you home if you don't satisfy them. With the powers to enter you home to check you are being compliant.

We do not live in a Police State, for the love of the children cop yourself on. We are in a pretty serious situation at the minute.

If you are not in breach of the restrictions there is no grief.

Cops are not kicking your door down for the craic