Trespasser refused to leave (Austin, Howe: hotel, houses, fencing)

[Aquitaine]

Originally Posted by The Joker 1234

I thought that is what guns were for? yes?

It's been a little while since my carry permit class, but IIRC, you can't shoot someone just for trespassing unless it's after civil sunset -- and that's on residential property. Commercial property likely has different rules.

It's an interesting rule nonetheless -- the presumption is that, during the day, the person skulking around our property might be the cable guy, but after sunset nobody has any reason to be on your land.

All that aside, as a business owner the bad press you'd get for shooting an unarmed man (no matter how offensive an unarmed man it may be) guarantees a lot of legal fees and, in Austin, a loss of business.

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by Ronaldon

When the APD don't do their job, is there anybody you can go to next to report both the incident (#1 trespassing, #2 threats) as well as the APD (probably specific officers)?

Just tell the dispatcher you have a gun, are scared for your life and will shoot the SOB if he continues to threaten you. THAT will get APD's attention.


Of course you DON'T shoot someone who is just mouthing off. But I certainly would be armed the next time that nutcase shows up and call the police again. And if he does really start to attack you, then do what is necessary to protect yourself.

[shortel]

Originally Posted by ScoPro

Just tell the dispatcher you have a gun, are scared for your life and will shoot the SOB if he continues to threaten you. THAT will get APD's attention.


Of course you DON'T shoot someone who is just mouthing off. But I certainly would be armed the next time that nutcase shows up and call the police again. And if he does really start to attack you, then do what is necessary to protect yourself.

Totally agree with you. If your going to be a Texan at least act like one. hah.

[Eastcoasting]

Throw some video cameras up with "smile you are on camera sign" and a removable no trespass sign for when you are closed.

He sounds like he was a bit of a nutter and the idea of your having footage of him recorded will keep him away as well as allow you to keep an eye on your place when you aren't there.

[pop251808]

Originally Posted by AusParent

I own a small business and the property where it resides. I came out of the building today with my dog to find an individual with a bicycle in the parking lot photographing the fenced yard area...I am going to have to fence and gate the parking area.

What sort of business is this?

[♪♫♪♪♫♫♪♥]

If the police force is unmotivated or are honestly just stretched thin, I don't see any way to address this issue without spending some money. Armed security? Perimeter fence? Hard to say.

[rodentraiser]

Originally Posted by joqua

It's more effective if you can get the police to serve them with a "no trespassing" citation. That way there is a record that works similar to a "restraining order."

A lot of people we had to kick out of our store were homeless. Funny, it seems like they were either our quietest customers or our most difficult. Anyway, kind of hard to serve them with anything.

Anyway, our manager would have to be the one to have the cops do that and if she didn't see the disturbance, she probably wouldn't want to go to the trouble of complaining to the cops. It was easier for us clerks to just tell the troublemakers to get out of our store and don't come back. Sometimes the customers banned themselves. Like the time some guy called 911 because our night clerk wouldn't make him any decaf coffee. I understand while the customer was on the phone, he became very quiet, said "yes, sir", and left, after apologizing to the clerk.

Having him call 911 was even more effective.

[AusParent]

My business is South Austin near Ben White in one of the industrial neighborhoods. These neighborhoods contain a lot of small businesses. My business manufactures and ships items for the construction industry. I rarely have customers visit onsite though they are welcome. I figure that I can install an intercom for the occasional visitor.

This neighborhood has experienced a lot of property theft over the 20 years that I have been here although I've never had a confrontation before. Metal theft is the most common theft. I've had old machinery taken from the fenced yard. A few years ago, someone cut through the fence and dismantled the industrial A/C unit. Insurance put the replacement cost at around $4k. I put up cameras per APD's recommendation but the wires were stripped not long after - probably for the copper. There's a metal recycler south of Ben White that pays cash for metal and that may be a factor. I suspect the guy was taking photos for inventory purposes.

After the incident, I called 311 a few times. It's interesting how you can get different angles, different information etc. As suggested here, I was told to ask the district representative for a trespass order that allows APD to arrest someone on site. I was also told that I could not do anything unless physically attacked.

The guy did seem a little off - which could go either way. He might move on or come back loaded for bear. He took my photo saying that he planned to sue me for violating his rights to be on the property. I did get his photo to show APD. I have a handyman scheduled to give me a quote on the parking lot fence and gate today.

[shortel]

Originally Posted by AusParent

The guy did seem a little off - which could go either way. He might move on or come back loaded for bear.

Thats why you carry a gun.

[pop251808]

Originally Posted by shortel

Thats why you carry a gun.

The answer to everything, if you tend to run scared.