We have just got a new car on a lease, so are liable for any repairs that go above and beyond the usual wear and tear.

I noticed two deep big scratches within the first week. After the first scratch, I was actively checking the car for scratches, and after the second scratch appeared, I concluded that both scratches were caused by one of the children playing in the street.

Neighbourhood children regularly play in the street. I have seen them play hide and seek and duck behind the car, obviously holding it when they do. They also whizz past on bikes, etc. I know kids are just having fun, and more than likely the scratches are completely accidental, but kids can also just recklessly damage other people's property because they think it's fun. 

We have to park in the street since our driveway is very narrow. We also parked our previous car in the street, but it had the odd scratch and bump, so it wasn't as easy to notice when a fresh one had been made, nor was it that much of a concern since we owned the car.

**How can I try and get the children to take more care?** I have doubts about whether speaking to the neighbours would be useful or would only create further problems.