I reckon it depends on the Police Station, the officer encountered and the way you present yourself. There is a discussion going on suggesting that too many complaints for Apprehended Personal Violence Orders for ‘trivial’ matters that could be resolved in other ways (like mediation) dilutes the effectiveness of APVOs for serious cases. Despite a ‘lack of empirical evidence’ one way or the other, magistrates have been given greater discretion about whether or not to issue these orders. You can read a Law Reform Commission report on this HERE.
However, in this case, there has been a physical assault (albeit on a door) and verbal abuse (which is a form of assault) and threats have either been issued or implied. That goes way beyond matters that can be easily remedied by mediation.
And I think Chris is right to say that first of all you need to get the EC onside. Firstly, the community needs to tell these miscreants that their behaviour is unacceptable. But more than that, the EC’s support is also necessary to strengthen the harrassed owner’s case if it does come to court.
This is classic bullying and the bad neighbours need to know their victims are not alone. A little bit of solidarity goes a long way – and that’s before you even get to Notices to Comply and AVOs.