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Trespassing neighbors

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norcalcountry

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Hello. I was hopeing that someone might please have some advice about how to get disrespectful neighbors to stop trespassing.

Our property is on a sloped hill, which is clearly marked with several no trespassing signs along the entire length of the property line. There are no enticements or hazards whatsoever, just the same typical landscape elevated from the road level, by the slope of the rolling hill landscape.

Neighbors have crossed over from the other side of the road to trespass onto our land riding dirt bikes up the slope of our hill on to our property. They have no regard for the private property signage and they are intentionally intruding (without our consent) on to our private land for their own reckless joy riding purposes. I worry that the unwanted motor cycles could potentially spark a fire in the dry season.

Can someone please suggest what steps we can take to prevent this unwanted trespassing intrusion and property damaging behavior? We've already posted signs and verbally requested that they please honor property boundaries, but to no avail.

Thank you, I'd appreciate any helpful input offered.
 


Mass_Shyster

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Hello. I was hopeing that someone might please have some advice about how to get disrespectful neighbors to stop trespassing.

Our property is on a sloped hill, which is clearly marked with several no trespassing signs along the entire length of the property line. There are no enticements or hazards whatsoever, just the same typical landscape elevated from the road level, by the slope of the rolling hill landscape.

Neighbors have crossed over from the other side of the road to trespass onto our land riding dirt bikes up the slope of our hill on to our property. They have no regard for the private property signage and they are intentionally intruding (without our consent) on to our private land for their own reckless joy riding purposes. I worry that the unwanted motor cycles could potentially spark a fire in the dry season.

Can someone please suggest what steps we can take to prevent this unwanted trespassing intrusion and property damaging behavior? We've already posted signs and verbally requested that they please honor property boundaries, but to no avail.

Thank you, I'd appreciate any helpful input offered.
1) Put up a fence.
2) File a lawsuit.

See Jacque v. Steenberg Homes, Inc., 563 N.W.2d. 154 (Wis. 1997)

http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=11443264787160776364&q=jacque+v+steenberg&hl=en&as_sdt=40000002
 
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FarmerJ

Senior Member
Fencing, Contact your city/county govt center and learn what kind of fencing materials you are able to use , make sure you ask if barbed wire fencing is permitted , if it is send the neighbor a certified letter first telling them to stop tresspassing , if they dont then send another via confirmed mail delivery informing them your going to install fencing and cameras to record all tresspass in order to prosecute tresspassing. Telling them your going to add hidden cameras on your property can be a bluff but seriously you will need pics to catch them in the act if you want sherriff to take you seriously.
 

norcalcountry

Junior Member
Thanks for advice

Thank you ~ We've already checked into most of the advice offered.

Can't secure a TRO because there is no threat of violence.

The Sheriff has given a general warning about trespassing (they just lie and deny it) ~ BUT the Sheriff can't do anything of consequence if they are not actually caught in the act by Deputies. It's a non urgent call and the low priority does not allow for immediate response, so the riders have already come and gone before the Sheriff has time to arrive.

They do it at random times, so waiting to take video has not proven fruitful. When we've heard them on occassion (if it's day light) we've tried to get pictures, but the second they see us nearing, they take off. It's a game to them. These reckless disrespectful people know how to work the system.

The property is very rural and there is no power to the area that they abuse, for us to be able to effectively set up survellience.

A fence is not a financially viable option because the long hill line is about a 1,000 (thousand) foot stretch. So we're at a loss ~ one of these fools is going to get hurt or spark a fire someday.

Thanks anyway, we appreciate the responses.
 

HomeGuru

Senior Member
Thank you ~ We've already checked into most of the advice offered.

Can't secure a TRO because there is no threat of violence.

The Sheriff has given a general warning about trespassing (they just lie and deny it) ~ BUT the Sheriff can't do anything of consequence if they are not actually caught in the act by Deputies. It's a non urgent call and the low priority does not allow for immediate response, so the riders have already come and gone before the Sheriff has time to arrive.

They do it at random times, so waiting to take video has not proven fruitful. When we've heard them on occassion (if it's day light) we've tried to get pictures, but the second they see us nearing, they take off. It's a game to them. These reckless disrespectful people know how to work the system.

The property is very rural and there is no power to the area that they abuse, for us to be able to effectively set up survellience.

A fence is not a financially viable option because the long hill line is about a 1,000 (thousand) foot stretch. So we're at a loss ~ one of these fools is going to get hurt or spark a fire someday.

Thanks anyway, we appreciate the responses.
**A: a TRO can be for many issues, not just the threat of violanece.
I can file for a TRO to make you stop posting on a website.
 

Lady Catrina

Junior Member
...They do it at random times, so waiting to take video has not proven fruitful. When we've heard them on occasion (if it's day light) we've tried to get pictures, but the second they see us nearing, they take off. It's a game to them. These reckless disrespectful people know how to work the system.

The property is very rural and there is no power to the area that they abuse, for us to be able to effectively set up surveillance....

One very viable option would be to set up a camera: Walmart.com: Stealth Cam 1.3 MP Integrated Color Digital Camera: Hunting
This will time and date stamp, is run off batteries, and can be placed where they may not see it / and or not reach it. It will take pictures during daylight as well as night time.
 

dlw99

Member
Have You Tried A Trail Camera?

I agree with Lady C. There are all kinds of trail cameras for sale on the internet.

Check out trailcam.com if you want to read up on the latest greatest.

Good luck.
 

csi7

Senior Member
You can ask around to contractors, about where to purchase left over construction supplies that could be adapted to use as a border fence (depending on your fencing restrictions). It may take a bit of time and some travel to get the supplies, however, the cost is less.
 

Cedrus

Member
Send the neighbor a letter. Certified, return receipt requested. Tell them you know they are trespassing and to stop, right now. Advise them of the problems with a fire started from their dirt bikes. Advise them your H/O liability/guest medical insurance will not apply here.

cc the Sheriff, county commissioners, your H/O insurance co., and whomever has jurisdiction about land preservation issues in your area.

You can find in the yellow pages attorneys who advertise 15-30 minutes of free consultation.
 

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