Trespassers Now Targeting Vacant Apartments and Manufactured Homes
Unoccupied Properties in San Antonio Under Siege
San Antonio, Texas – In a worrying trend, vacant apartments and manufactured homes are becoming hotspots for trespassers and squatters. Property owners report constant break-ins and vandalism, leading to potential financial ruin and significant safety concerns.
No Building Left Untouched
Palm Harbor Homes from San Antonio, a highly reputed manufacturer of homes, has been trying to revamp its westside building to use as a manufactured home sales office. However, nightly invasions by squatters have rendered their efforts futile. The issue has now escalated to a level where the company’s management feels the situation is worsening every night.
Not Just the Office
Owner Kevin Hansen reports that the issue isn’t confined to just the office. Multiple display homes, originally meant to be showcased and sold to potential customers, have been rampantly invaded and defaced. These homes now present a scene of dilapidation and squalor, with stolen appliances, graffiti-filled walls, and extensive damage.
Trespassers Evicted, But Trouble Persists
Despite consistent efforts by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) resulting in arrests and removal of various trespassers from the premises, the problem continues unabated. The trespassers persistently return to the properties once released.
District Attorney’s Office Stands Firm
In response to the criticism over lax prosecution, District Attorney Joe Gonzales’s office stated, “So long as there is sufficient evidence to prove a criminal trespass case, our office will prosecute.” However, this assurance has done little to allay the concerns of distraught property owners.
Apartment Complexes Also Facing Trouble
John Barker of San Antonio, owner of the massive Palatia complex, endorses Hansen’s concerns. The Palatia, consisting of 678 units, is another victim of this rampaging issue. Barker estimates over 120 individual units have been broken into and vandalized on a regular basis.
Call for Additional Help
Barker has identified a desperate requirement for more patrols and security measures in response to the frequent break-ins. Despite hiring off-duty police officers, his repeated calls for additional help have so far remained unattended.
Property Owners Bearing the Cost
Both Barker and Hansen have incurred heavy expenses due to the increased security requirements and repair costs ensuing from rampant vandalism. Both property owners are now seeking stricter measures by the city to curtail the escalating issue before it spins out of control.
Future Plan
Palm Harbor Homes, discouraged by the numerous invasions and resulting damage, has decided to level the site entirely and sell it off. This drastic decision marks the severity of the situation.
What Next?
The fate of countless property owners hangs in balance as they await a viable solution to this persisting problem. While local authorities have provided assurances for action, the reality on the ground indicates a bleak and uncertain future if immediate, effective steps aren’t taken to curb this escalating issue.