How to deal with people that snoop around.

[gravelroad]

3 weeks ago I had a company come out to fix my fiber network. Both of the guys that were there wanted to look around the property more than they wanted to trouble shoot and fix my network. The thing that got me is that I was paying $140 an hour and there looking around was just costing me money. They both did a lot of question asking about how everything works and about what kind of animals and plants we had.

This week we had our 5 year septic tank pump and inspection for the county. The older guy was just about getting the job done, but the younger guy did a bit of walking around. It didn't bother me until he got out of sight and I had to walk him back to the septic tank.

I don't like to give people tours of my land that I do not know.
How do you handle people like this?

[simi-steading]

I wear this, and no, it's not for holding a hammer.. It tends to keep people's attention...

[Roadking]

I prefer my shoulder holster ...gives me back support. Waist holster pulls my pants down...LOL!

Matt

[gravelroad]

Simi-steading
I wear one like that also. It gets the attention of people that are trespassing, but it dose not do much for people that are invited to do work.

Roadking
I have tried shoulder holsters, but they rub sometimes when working.

[simi-steading]

I've just kind of found tat people don't tend to wander as much when the see the owner feels a need to strap one on...

[Ozarks Tom]

I got my reputation as a crusty old man honestly. If something doesn't seem right, I say so. If anything it gets the work done faster. When someone is on your nickel you've got every right to supervise their actions.

[Wolfy-hound]

Tell them to watch for large rattlers, as you've seen some BIG ones around. Take a stick and poke around where they're supposed to be and act satisfied with that area.

[Shrek]

Originally Posted by Roadking

I prefer my shoulder holster ...gives me back support. Waist holster pulls my pants down...LOL!

Matt

That is why for a side holster I prefer a military/LEO style velcro/buckle support and tie down thigh holster for my 40 cal.

Nothing better than a visible hawg leg to both decrease wanderings and billable labor hours.

[Roadking]

I'm 5'10" and 125...the shoulder holster is my suspenders...LOL!

Matt

[gravelroad]

I think next time I have to have some work done I will send my kids out to do some target practice as they are showing up. That might get there mind in the right spot.

[Laura Zone 10]

Originally Posted by gravelroad

I don't like to give people tours of my land that I do not know.

Then don't!

How do you handle people like this?

Depends.
If they are 'city' types, and you have a very interesting layout; something these folks may never see in their lifetime other than on TV......
I would be more 'patient' with their questioning, but I would not let them 'wander around'. ESPECIALLY at 140.00 an hour.

IF you live out in 'meth country' where cookin' meth is a family tradition........then I would CLEARLY wear a side arm, and assume the worst of everyone.

I understand the 'intrusiveness' they bring, but it truly may be curiosity / fascination with your life style.

[Ambereyes]

My German Shephard is a deterrent to anyone wandering around. Plenty of warning signs to beware of dog. I am always armed on my property and it is not concealed.

[Bret]

I just pull out the violin case. Gets their attention real quick. If that doesn't work, I get out the violin.

[7thswan]

When you see someone wanering off,sternly ask "where You goin". Call the company or boss after they leave and complain. Tell the company Before they come, don't send any snoopers, make them feel like You have the problem and mabe they will become aware to NOT BE SO RUDE. My example-had 2 youngens come out here to install TV, Dh let them do their job. Goes out side to check-they destroyed my Precious, dug up and halled around Lace Leaf Japanese Maple. Dh told them they better be glad they will still have their life because the Wife was not home.
Another-we were selling one of my Harleys, guy brings a friend,friend starts checking out the pole barn, wants to buy Dh's equalizer,Dh says no. The guy keeps comeing here asking until I get real nasty with him, which I should not be pushed to do. I can't wait until we get the rest of our fence and gates up.

[sss3]

This probably isn't the level of experiences you had. Had someone come to my door and asked if I wanted him to mow my yard. I said I already had someone. He turned around and started to leave. So I turned around. I heard the storm door open. I looked; and he was looking around inside my house.

[AngieM2]

Sandra - that would make me VERY jumpy.

What did you do?

[simi-steading]

That's crazy.. It's amazing how bold some people can be..

[sss3]

I asked him what he wanted. He left. Fortunately, front door is situated so it's not visible inside lr. That was 18 mos ago and I'm still unnerved by it.

[Paumon]

Originally Posted by gravelroad

I don't like to give people tours of my land that I do not know.
How do you handle people like this?

I always stay right there with them or within sight of them while they're doing their work. I do not encourage any idle chit chat with them about my place or possessions and I ask them how long it will take them to get the job done. If they tell me I don't need to hang around while they do their job I tell them I'm there on guard and they're not to go wandering off anywhere because I'm having some troubles with a family of skunks running loose on the property.

[sss3]

Paumon, great idea.