Harrassed by a Bully

prowla

I once had an issue with a neighbour who tried those tactics; I told them if they didn't stop I would buy an old banger and park it in the space permanently.

cinzano

Yes prowla my OH has thought of doing exactly the same but to be honest we don't want the hassle that this will cause. He is obviously a very vicious man and did tell my OH that if I ever park my car there again it would be damaged

maninthestreet

Why can't the police do their job properly? His repeated phone calls
may constitute an offence under the Protection from Harassment act, 1997.
Have you considered going to the local press with your story? Bad publicity for his business (shop) may make him think twice about his actions.

cinzano

I very much feel like going to the Press. My only issue is how he then steps up his revenge? He has already told my OH "you don't know who you are dealing with". He may have noted my registration number and have ways of getting my address.

lincroft1710

What does the shop sell?

cinzano

Its an off licence

lincroft1710

So he has a licence. I don't know if licences are still regularly renewed, but if so, you could object to the renewal as he isn't a fit person to run an off licence due to his behaviour.

maninthestreet

Have you spoken to the owners of the other shops in the same parade to see if they have had 'problems' in the past with this person?

FoxyGuyHawoo

Hello cinzano. I don't want to annoy, but: if you can park elsewhere then do so. I think that's what the shop owner is trying to tell you.

I've been reading about business rates on this forum and other things about running a business and l'd say it's a stressful undertaking, owning a small business franchise.

For whatever reason, this shop owner has decided that speaking directly to you is not an option. I don't think the man is insane, as he is somehow managing to run a business.

Something is really bugging him about that parking space and his initial overtures were to subliminally ask you: "Is it worth fighting? Just move on."

2 Possible reasons for his actions:

1. What for you is a hurt ego, might be a matter of dire practical need to him. [I've met this type of person.]

2. He imagines that he is worth more to the council and the state than you are, at least in his own world it would seem so. Thus he has become quite haughty and egotistical. [I've met this type of person.]

Either (1) and / or (2) might be coming into play here.


It's a jungle out there and l've had allsorts of problems with randoms out on the street, from big lorries almost hitting me as a pedestrian to prove a point, to people walking on the wrong side of the pavement and refusing to budge. Some people are druggies. Some people have weird lives and probably do things you don't want to know about. Some people just need to dominate. Just let it go and avoid them.

And yes, there might even be a real need for that parking space to be cleared.

So, l'll end with the same question that nasty (and he is nasty) shop owner was subliminally asking you right from the very beginning: "What's it worth to you?"

cinzano

Thank you for that and I do agree with you. What pleasure he is getting from constantly ringing a mobile phone that never answers is beyond me .. like you say some weird people out there. I think he is extremely riled that my OH has challenged his bullying tactics and he is trying to intimidate us further by calling us regularly. I have to walk pass the top of the street where the layby is everyday and since Monday there has not been one car parked there (the layby will fit up to 5 cars or 2 hgv lorries)