BiggerPockets

I would try to set a trap for this person and get a restraining order, or better yet, get him arrested.

Don't forewarn your stalker by using obvious video cameras.

Get a motion-activated COVERT surveillance camera that contains its own power source and DVR.

Hey KC
Last year I had occasion to call the sheriff because of a felony assault and I confirm what happened to you. Without a witness the sheriff will only write a report, file it and move on. Before you spent any money on cameras, have an expert inspect you location because even with the best cameras there are problems with blocked view, lights and masked suspects. The best advice I got and I pass it on is, post a secure sign, "$XXXXX REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF PERSONS WHO (Describe the crime). I am betting this guy has people around him who would give up their mother for $$$$.
Good Luck

He's not any kind of gang leader. Although he's got a bunch of drug buddies. He's mostly just drugged out and crazy. His wife was at my place and saw some things she liked. She convinced him that I'm "evil" and that I hate her so he should steal my things to get even with me for being so evil as to hate someone like her. What's funny is I actually liked her before this...

Unfortunately, with any 8 to 5 type of job, everybody knows exactly what hours you will be gone, so it was pretty easy to break in since nearly everybody in my neighborhood is at work during those hours. He didn't have a job then so he had all day to plot how to mess with me. His friends and family actually helped him scope out my place. But it's been about a year since anything has happened with him. I just don't want to make something too tempting for him.

Anyway, I think the hidden cameras would be worth it if I actually caught him. Don't you have to post a sign saying there is a video surveillance for it to be admissible in court? I also like the idea of posting a reward sign. I think I might do both if I buy the property.

With the reward sign, isn't there a possibility of someone damaging something themselves then reporting somebody else for it just to collect a reward?

--

And another interesting thing I learned during this... If someone makes a threat against your property, but not you, the police will do nothing about it. It's not illegal according to the police. They might patrol your neighborhood more, but that's it. They only care about threats to a person.

"I will burn down your house when you're at work." - Legal
"I will burn down your house with you inside." - Not legal

I saw this else were and had to pass it on.
Put this sign on the door.
"Susie, don't go in here. The snake got loose again!"
LOL

-File a restraining order/temporary protective order

-Perhaps setup cameras so you can catch him

-Harass the police every time he gives you a reason to. (Maybe the police will actually do some police work and help you....doubtful but we can hope)

-Talk with you neighbors and tell them to stop being scared little girls and do something to protect their neighborhood.

-Maybe you should go confront the person and do something about it yourself. If someone was acting this way with my property they would need the restraining order not me.

Cameras are a good thing, problem is you will need infra-red light for night shots. You also need a date time stamp on the video, don't forget to set it. Public areas are game all over the country and inside your home/properties.

A judge told me a long time ago that "Sometimes you have to take care of things on your own toughness".

I would first suggest you stop with the police and pay visit to the DA. You can press charges form trespassing to vandilism to stalking and making threating statements, such ordinances and laws are probably on the books and you can make the charge. Here, the police will sometimes, in situations where there is a lack evidence and one part insists on an arrest, the police may tell you to say "you're under arrest" to the guy and then they will take it from there. Doing so makes you liable and very exposed if you don't get a conviction. Other places, the DA will issue an arrest and file charges as you filing the complaint.

I do know someone in the business of curing problems such as yours. He is a martial arts instructor and past police officer, about 6' 2" and 240 lbs. If there is an issue he needs assistnace with he usually gets some of the local linemen from our university football team.

No, the don't break legs, they do nothing but talk to someone, but it is very effective. It kinda goes along the lines of telling the trouble maker to make sure that nothing harms the client or his property, that if so much as a beer can is thrown in his yard, he will be responsible and they will be back to visit. That usually does it or the bad guy leaves town.. Obviously hiring intelligent musel really depends on who is the problem and where you are, Philly might be different (LOL).

But I can assure you of one thing, the actions of these guys show that they are cowards. They act as a crowd and they get their courage from others. He doesn't confront you, he sneaks around to hurt you. Confronting the guy, with extreme prejudice, individually and in public might make an impression on him and drive him off. That's what this "security guy" does, It works with someone who can be intimidating, someone else you know that could go to him. He never makes any personal threats. It's to clear the air, to tell the bad guy it'sknown to be him or his friends, same thing, and that a response next time will have consequences for him. He makes them personally responsible for anything that goes on in the future. (gee how do you avoid that?) Your bad guy will deny it with every breath, make it clear his denial is not accepted. I guarantee you he is a coward.

I'm not suggesting you go jump on the guy'schest or get in his face, just telling you kinda what that judge told me long ago.

There is no way I would not buy a property because of one guy, maybe because of gang activity in an area, but not one guy and punk friends with one house. That's all for my rant! LOL