Neighbours living in north Watford are taking positive action to stamp out years of anti-social behaviour.
Residents living on the Sherwood Estate in Woodside will gather for their first ever Neighbourhood Watch meeting, to tackle problems they said have blighted their lives over the past two years.
Smashed car windows, abusive language and rubbish bins being tipped over are some of the acts homeowners have complained about.
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But by working with local police officers, including PCSO David Gunn, and their local Watford Borough councillors, residents hope to solve the problems and restore pride in the neighbourhood.
One resident, who lives in Forest Road and asked not to be named, said: "It beggars belief what's going on in society.
"They are our future.
"When it starts getting to the point of heavy drinking and not being considerate to neighbours, what's the next thing that's going to happen? What's it going to take, for someone to die, before someone does something?"
She sympathised with teenagers looking to escape their homes and meet their friends, but said the problems could be resolved with more "consideration".
The resident added: "Nobody wants to see young people stuck at home.
"A lot of neighbours speak to individuals and ask them to keep the noise down.
"They have always been quite respective. It's about consideration.
"We live in times where people are frightened to say their concerns. Grown-ups aren't trying to be spoil sports.
"We just want them to be safe and considerate to other people.
"No-one is saying don't do this or that. Just have some consideration.
"This is a lovely neighbourhood. People look after their homes but the sad thing is it takes something like this to bring people to get to know each other."
A second resident said: "You've got to be careful what you say because you just get called names.
"We shouldn't be called at with abusive language."
Councillor Alan Burtenshaw, who represents Woodside, said: "Ordinary people are having their lives affected.
"We want to stamp it out one way or another. These people don't deserve to live near the houses that cause these problems.
"They have decisions they can make as to whether they're prepared to act like human beings and be sensible or choose not to."
The Neighbourhood Watch meeting will take place at the Orbital Community Centre, in Haines Way, starting at 7pm on Thursday.
David Dumbleton, Watford neighbourhood team inspector, said residents should have no hesitation in reporting any incidents or concerns they might have in the area.
He said: "We are aware of the issues in the Woodside area.
"We have been carrying out more high visibility patrols and dealing with any incidents that occur.
"If anyone has any concerns, please do contact us via the non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222."
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