A Devon resident has resorted to displaying a detailed, laminated notice in their window, directly appealing to the public to stop summoning police to their home over an ongoing fly problem.
The Polite Plea in the Window
The unusual sign, which was photographed and shared on Reddit by a baffled passerby, begins with a clear header: "Please note!" It goes on to explain, "Yes I have a fly problem! It is being sorted!" The plea gains a touch of grim authenticity from the presence of several dead flies visible around the notice itself.
The core of the resident's message urges community members to reconsider involving the authorities. "Please do not contact police! They have visited twice to do a welfare check," the note states, adding emphatically, "It is not fair on them or me." To pre-empt the most serious concerns, the resident explicitly advises, "There isn't anyone dead or injured on the premises."
Community Reaction and Speculation
The online post revealing the note, which identified the property's location as Exeter, Devon, quickly attracted comments from scores of confused Reddit users. One observer wryly noted the unfortunate timing of a fly obscuring part of the text, calling it "absolute gold".
Many commenters questioned the homeowner's approach, with one suggesting the effort spent creating the laminated notice could have been used to tackle the flies directly with insect spray. Others speculated on the potential cause of such a severe infestation, proposing possibilities like rotting food, a deceased animal within the property, or even problematic plants attracting the insects.
Some locals who claimed to have seen the sign in person offered further context. One individual alleged the note had been on display for months, contradicting the claim that the situation was "being sorted". Another expressed sympathy, recalling seeing a cat in the window of the affected property.
Broader Implications for Public and Police
This incident highlights the strain that well-intentioned but misplaced public concerns can place on police resources. The fact that officers attended the property on two separate occasions for welfare checks initiated by worried passersby demonstrates community vigilance, but also shows how it can lead to frustration for all involved when the issue is a domestic pest problem rather than a medical or criminal emergency.
The resident's note concludes with a constructive alternative for anyone still concerned: "If you have any concerns, please knock on the door or leave a note with your number so I can speak with you and reassure you. Many thanks." This offers a direct, neighbourly solution that bypasses official emergency channels.
