Cars vandalizing retention basin - any ideas?

Started by KristinG3 • 8 replies • 1248 views

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KristinG3 (Arizona)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Our Association is experiencing a problem with cars entering a large retention basin and racing around, causing damage to the turf, sprinklers, valves, etc. It happens late at night, and we've been unable to catch the vandals. Anyone have anything similar happening and found a solution?
Thanks.

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

KristinG3,
First, have you posted thje property? You had better. Nex, if you can't stop them, the police won't help, etc, etc, go to your Sheriff's office, file a complaint, follow up with contact s with your county council or city council.

It is a strange question you ask. Basically, you are asking for someone to tell you how to replace the cops. Apparently the property is private. you own it, you all pay taxes, post the property and demand the proper authorities do their job. If this don't work, start at the governors office and work your way down until you find someone to listen.

I would not attempt to play cop. Those people out there running around in their cars are breaking the law.

CharlesW1 (Georgia)
Posts: 826

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KristinG3 on 12/29/2007 5:14 AM
Our Association is experiencing a problem with cars entering a large retention basin and racing around, causing damage to the turf, sprinklers, valves, etc. It happens late at night, and we've been unable to catch the vandals. Anyone have anything similar happening and found a solution?
Thanks.

KristinG3

Apparently these vandals are able to access the property, with their cars/trucks, ATV without any problem. Which indicates to me, that the area surrounding the pond is large enough to “race” around, now thats a problem.

Perhaps you should purchase several signs (entrance of the “track”) and post them, explicatively stating NO TRESPASSING. ALL VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED, to cover the (associations) bottom line. Or even (money/space/time permitting), to install a gate (substantial size, but inexpensive materials) so that vehicles (of any size) can not access the area, eliminating the problem entirely!

I personally would notified all the residents residing within the community by publishing a little blurb in the association’s newsletter and/or web-site, if such even exists. Letting them know that the BOD is aware and that something is being done. You must recieve help from residents to successful put a stop to the illigal racing! IMHO.

YOU SHOULD CALL THE POLICE. THESE VEHICLES ARE TRESPASSING, NOT TO MENTION THE RISK OF INJURY, TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS,ASSOCIATION PROPERTY, NOISE, ETC.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

Chuck W

Charles E. Wafer Jr.

WayneB3 (NV)
Posts: 51

Posted:

I know of communities who have invested in fencing to keep out trespassers (squaters) and deter vandals. We all know the cops are short staffed, don't patrol low crime neighborhoods and vandalism doesn't demand resources.

A neighborhood watch can be effective. Contact the neighborhood division of your police dept. for details on how to get one started. An eye witness is good, video is better. Then your association has someone to sue for damages.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

We also had tresspassing by vehicles and planted a row of Areca Palms. The 4 wheelers drove over and thru them. Then we invested in a few VERY VERY large rocks along the entry areas. It took care of the problem fast. The Sheriff usually got there 2 minutes after the trucks or 4 wheelers left so that was of no help. Rocks rock!

JohnB7 (South Carolina)
Posts: 176

Posted:

post the area

take photographs of the posting(s)

slightly bury a bunch of spike strips

racing WILL STOP

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

John,
Okay on all points except the buried spikes. I see a liability suit on that one. Someone getting a spike in the eye or foot spells big trouble for the Association, tresspassing or not.

JohnB7 (South Carolina)
Posts: 176

Posted:

getting a spike strip in the foot is almost impossible as they require a great deal of vehicle weight

as far as in the eye ??!!

WayneB3 (NV)
Posts: 51

Posted:

We needed at least one point of access for the landscaper's vehicles. What we did was sink two posts and attached a chain with a no trespassing sign. That did the trick.

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