Dear PoP – What do you do when…

Photo from PoPville flickr user hellomarkers!

“Random people drinking in the alley behind my apartment? I live on the first floor of my building, at the back, and my windows are literally eye level with the alley. Generally, it’s very quiet, not a lot of activity. The only cars that come through are typically going to the condos behind me as they are the only folks who have parking spots (that I can tell).

For the last three nights in a row, I’ve come home around 7:00 to the sound of really loud music and several individuals (typically young men, yesterday there was a woman) drinking beer either in or outside of a car. It’s been the same car every time and it has MD tags. I know, I know … I can’t say that they don’t live in the area based only on tags but if they are local, why are they drinking, seemingly on the sly in the alley right behind my house?!?! They don’t live in my building, I’m pretty sure of that and I can only assume when they’re done with the 24 pack of Heineken bottles (the drink of choice) they drive off, obviously a very dangerous move.

I’ve contemplated calling the cops … I’m a single woman, living alone and don’t feel comfortable confronting them myself. Other obvious responses would be to close my windows, leave my place, etc. but I pay to live there and it’s hot outside, meaning open windows is a must in my apt!!! I’m pretty sure none of these people are paying to drink in the alley every night.

I’d appreciate any ideas other readers might have!”

I strongly recommend you call 911. You can be anonymous and when they operator asks your name just say, “I’d rather not give it”. If you call 911 everytime a record will be started and MPD can monitor the situation better.

What do you guys think?