neb:Tinkerisk:I think there's an implied social contract there that you won't bother them if they don't bother you, a bit like the homeless people who use the Auckland city library as a drop-in centre, no-one bothers them unless they make a nuisance of themselves (which I've never seen happen). Since they've violated the unwritten social contract, they should expect some sort of response to this.
Now I have a bad conscience towards the old people, but I'm much better rested again.
Yes, the unwritten social contract is exactly the right description. I didn't want to make life more difficult for them than it already is - they could have stayed there for my sake (although it's raining - then they were probably in the nearby parking garage), they didn't drink and were also careful about their appearance. Still, they don't seem to get it. And I also wonder what the police in their country would have done to me in a similar situation? (from what I experienced, ours was polite and respectful, but firm with them).