A few days ago West Cedar Street was once again hit by vandalism. Has it been three times since September 1? I’ve lost count.

This time someone threw pumpkins into the street, smashing them and creating a slippery stretch of slime.

One could ask, “Is this some version of fun?” and “Why West Cedar Street?” But the bigger question is “How can we reduce unacceptable behavior of any kind in a city neighborhood that is open to all comers, some of whom might not have the best interests of the neighborhood at heart?”Lots of things don’t work—complaining to your neighbors or wringing your hands. It’s unlikely that staying up all night with a spotlight and a camera will help either, since unacceptable behavior is irregular and unpredictable. Reporting the incidents to the Beacon Hill Civic Association is a step to take, but it won’t solve the problem. Civic association leaders can do only what you can do—politely harass the people who are hired to enforce our regulations and laws.

Some of you find that hard to do with the police. After all, smashing pumpkins is more of an aggravation than a crime. So is a loud party. Surely police officers should be attending to more important incidents.

But call 911 anyway. Call them several times if need be. It’s not that the police will come. They may well be attending to more important incidents. But the record of trouble needs to be established. Also call Sgt. Tom Lema at 617-343-4627 and Captain Bernie O’Rourke at 617-343-4240 to alert them about the situation. Over time, with many incidents at the same location or at the same time of day, the police will become aware of when and where trouble occurs, and they will have more incentive to monitor the situation. After all, they like to catch miscreants.

Small incidents have been shown to foreshadow larger problems. William Bratton, one of Boston’s most effective police commissioners, acted upon that premise when he became New York City’s police commissioner. His team found that the same people who committed small infractions such as jumping the turnstiles at subway stations tended to also have committed or were more likely to commit serious crimes. Stopping the turnstile jumpers—or the pumpkin smashers—ultimately reduces larger crimes.

Bad behavior sometimes makes more messes than just broken pumpkins. All over the Hill are bad buildings in which occupants set out trash improperly and at the wrong times. The mess is disgusting and draws rats. Call the Department of Public Works every time it happens. The number is 617-635-4896. For good measure, also call Code Enforcement at 617-635-5300. Buildings that draw complaints get flagged at code enforcement and a discussion is begun with their owners, said one ISD employee who was not authorized to speak to the press.

Nearby construction is another frustration residents have to contend with. Surprisingly, few complainants deal face to face with the person who is causing the annoyance. But that’s where you should start. First search online for permits by going to www.cityofboston.gov/streetoccupancy. If the contractor has a legitimate permit, then I recommend moving to my favorite and quite effective next step—the cookie approach. Bake some and share them with the contractor and his workmen while you introduce yourself, chatting and making friends. Tell them sweetly, without accusing them, about the problem you face because of them and ask how they might fix it. Don’t assume they are annoying you on purpose or that they are bad people. They may simply not realize the effect they are having on neighbors, and a problem-solving approach at this stage has a chance of working.

If it doesn’t, talk to the owner. I remember a situation a few years ago on Louisburg Square in which neighbors on all sides were complaining about a contractor. They called the newspaper and the civic association. It turned out no one had mentioned the problem to the owner, who was mortified when he found out. If the owner doesn’t respond, bring out the city’s officials, enlisting the police (911 again) the mayor’s hotline at 617-635-4500 or the Environmental Services number for site cleanliness and code enforcement at 617-635-4896.

Finally, do contact the Beacon Hill Civic Association at 617-227-1922. You can remember the number since the last four digits identify the year the association was founded. Work with them, but realize they will be calling the same numbers I’ve just given you. City officials respond to many calls with more enthusiasm than from just one call. It’s human nature. So you should not leave it up to the civic association to deal with alone.

There is no quick fix to making people behave better. It’s making the acquaintance of officials who can help solve your problem and persevering to see that it is done.