Got a pretty weird episode with an insane neighbour today, to I thought I'd ask for advice on next steps (if any).

The story is this: I really have an insane/mentally challenged person living in the next block. Since his block and my block share the parking, we sometimes run into each other. He has mental problems (difficulty speaking, expressing himself etc) as well as physical problems (limp while walking, sort of a heavy way around him etc).

Until now we talked exactly once when he told me he saw my car parked in the town where I work (and where there is also a psychiatric clinic...that now rings a bell!) but the conversation ended rather abruptly when I told him I don't understand him (schwytzerdutsch spoken by a mentally challenged person is not easy) and he just walked away.

Today I had just parked my car (in the street) when he walked by. I was kind of away when I heard him from behind shouting at me that I need to pay X francs if I park in the street and he'll call the police and finally (after some more stuff which I didn't understand) proceeded to shout at me "scheiss comunist" while walking away. I naturally didn't say anything back.

The thing that bothers me is this: since this guy is clearly not all there, I'm thinking there is a good possibility he will f-up my car somehow. Car which is still not registered in CH, which means insurance money might be hard to get. So I was thinking of telling some authorities about this episode (the police?) so it's on record if something bad happens. But, to be honest I don't know if this is the thing to do...hence the need for advice.

Now before I get the flak, I AM sympathetic with his mental problems and don't want to do anything proactively that might cause him problems. However, I'm not looking forward to a (potential) repair bill for a effed-up car.

Also, to be completely honest, I don't feel that safe personally either, as there was recently a similar episode in Austria where some metally deranged dude actually shot and killed some Romanians as he thought they were communists and he had a mania about being chased by communists (deja-vu anyone?!).

So please, feel free to chime in. One note: since the guy is the way he is, I'm guessing showing up with a nice cake at his door won't work

Does he have family ? Anyone else living with him ? A caretaker ?

Might be worth talking to a person closer to the place before going to the authorities.
Or you could speak to the neighbors to verify if there is indeed something for you to worry about.
In all cases, I would just let it pass by unless it happens again and again. Poor person already is having a hard time.

If you run into him again, maybe try your best to talk to him and clear it up.
Walking away may not go well with a person like this.

A smile goes a long way.

Good Luck.

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"You picked the wrong house, Bub"

Will chatting with the police bring up your car registration?

The police more than likely already know the guy, so they might give you good advice. Probably better to find a neighbor who knows his history and whether to take his case more seriously or just smile and wave while moving on.

Even though you might think that showing up with a cake at his doorstep isnt the right solution I think something in line with that would actually work. I mean showing up with a cake at his doorstep is one extreme but just hearing him out (even though you dont understand all) the next time when you see him will maybe also create a better understanding.

And maybe it would be a good idea to get your car insured in the meantime??

Sounds like he's talking about a blue zone which you will need to purchase a permit for or at the very least use a park clock for your windshield (which only gives you up to 1 1/2 hours to park there).

I doubt he'll mess with your car but wouldn't be surprised if you see a parking controller standing in front of your car soon. Even if he's not the one who'll call them they make regular rounds in blue zone areas (very profitable for city coffers).

we had a similar issue with the lady that was gonna take over our apartment. she was part of the special needs house in Montreux but I guess was deemed ok to go out on her own. she rented it from us a month or 2 before move out date.

she got approved as I guess govt is paying the rent and she was single. She would come almost 2-3 times a week asking to come in at 20.00 and would just hangout in front of the place. I told the gerance who then in turn told me to contact the special needs house. they apologized and kept her in at night......


people like this perceive the world completely different and need some professional to talk to them "in their world" i guess.... so yes I recommend you go and talk to the institute and let them know

"but just hearing him out (even though you dont understand all) the next time"

Well I would have, except he was walking away while shouting and calling me names. I've asked the abwart in the meantime and there is no fee for parking in the street (and there are actually cars parked all along...he just didn't like my communist one).

LE: the street has no marked zones either.

Sorry, but I've read your story and I think you're being paranoid at best and possibly slightly naïve at worst. I'd take the time to try and understand your neighbor's situation, you'll no doubt find the human being beyond the disability and save yourself a load of unnecessary worrying to boot.

What exactly do you propose I do to "understand his situation"?

LE: sorry I missed this "Will chatting with the police bring up your car registration?". My car is here legally (still), so no problems with that.

Talk to your neighbors. Perhaps they can give you some insight about this man to help you better understand the situation.

you're calling someone else insane when you look like this...

It's not rocket telemetry; establish communications, either through another neighbor who has some language talent or just make the effort to see what his gripe is. You might have the completely wrong impression. I'm obviously not "au fait" with your precise situation, but I have a neighbor who is a chronic alcoholic and I have to be honest and say that I don't really enjoy getting too close because of the smell and hygiene, but there's a lost soul on the inside and when I have taken the time to get over my aversion, I've always wondered what it would be like if everyone avoided me and no one gave a rat's ass. Compassion could heal you know.

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Crash your karma into little bits of happiness

Take a moment to speak to him.
He felt your rejection and did not understand that it was a language issue, he took it personally.

When somebody suffers because they are permanently disabled, all structures, all education seems to evaporate, and they can become like children, demanding that their needs of recognition be answered immediately.

Perhaps if you reassure him and spend a little time speaking to him and make him understand that you're having difficulty understanding him, he'll probably calm down.

@Assasin: Thanks, though it was suggested before and your tone is condescending, which is ironic considering your advice is I should try to communicate better.

That's the way I write, if you feel hurt, you might want to take me out along with your neighbor, otherwise I might get added to your mental list of possible suspects in case someone takes out their personal vendetta against your vehicle.

Steady on now, it's only an avatar!

That said, I must admit, when I read the opening post, rechecked the thread title and looked at the avatar, a similar thought crossed my mind albeit fleetingly...

Nah, I'll just talk to you (or your neighbours) instead

I just wanted to let you know, that you ran over my foot the other day (that's why I hobble)

On a more serious note, informing the police about such matter is pretty useless in Switzerland. On the other hand, you've mentioned the psychiatric ward. Since you assume, that he's a patient there, I'd take it up with them. Also, you know where he lives, thus they can pretty much pinpoint the unstable person (yes, yes..been watching some CSI). Let me know if you need help language wise.

I 'groaned' at you, and then I removed it because it's not my business BUT I don't find Assasin's tone in the least condescending and he has, after all, bothered to give an opinion.

I don't mind a good groan every now and then, so feel free to re-add it if that's how you feel And I also thanked Assasin for his post, regardless of the perceived tone.