jerks on quads

[M2]

i have noticed a lot of quad tracks in the areas next to where i live, but i can never catch anyone. its a very ugly thing, seeing those tracks everywhere, not to mention that someone is on my land without my permission. does anyone else have the same problem, or seen it happening?

[MatM]

I myself have seen this problem before, while I don't mind people having a good time or doing somthing they like to do, but when they're being jerks about it or not listening to requests to stay off of peoples land. Then I have a big problem. I think I am with you on this one.

[susie]

Hi M2,  We have had the same problem.  We have also had the same problem with snowmobilers.  Even if you tell them not to come onto your property, they still try to.  I agree with MattM that everyone is entitled to their own enjoyment.  But they should obey all laws and ask permission before riding on your property.  And respect your answer if you say no.  We own horses and wouldn't dare ride a horse on someone else's property without permission.

[JoeP]

We have had the problem with snowmobilers from time to time and to a lesser extent hunters.  Posted signs have helped, but you always have a few who think it's their right to do what they want where they want.

I will say we have had good support from Chief Reese.  He has promptly addressed complaints about young folks speeding on our road (I'm talking the wide open throttle types) and some crazy on a dirt bike that made it a habit of sailing down the road at 70 to 80 MPH, sometimes at night with no lights on his bike.  The Chief nailed him too.

So if someone is trespassing or disrespecting your property, call Chief Reese (586-8111).   Call when the problem happens, even if he is not there, you can leave a message.  We have always found Officer Reese to be responsive.

Joe

[davidk]

We too have a serious problem with bikes on the property.
Too many of these people think they have some sort of right to go where ever they please, including in and around our houses.
We even had one guy who opened our gate and came up the driveway tearing around on the lawn and in the fields!
We only caught him because he couldn't get over a drainage ditch and I was able to take his key.
We had him sent before the magistrate and he paid fines and court costs.
Unfortunately catching them is the problem.
Legally the bikes are suppose to have license plates and carry insurance.
But the plates are far too small to be read unless you are right on top of them and even then they are often covered with mud or even tape.

One of the biggest problems is that too many people are buying these things and not having enough room to ride them. The other is that they use public roads to get places.

There are even some who get spiteful if you try and block their access. We are constantly replacing posters and setting obstacles to frustrate them.
Most of these people neither know nor care who's land they are on. That is until they get hurt and are looking to sue.
The guy who came through the gate was asked by the magistrate why he thought he could ride on our property? His reply, even though asked repeatedly, was "It's a big field."

[JoeP]

Part of the problem is the parents who buy these things for their children.  Respect for other people's property starts at home.

Joe

[susie]

Hi davidk,  It's the same here with the quads and snowmobilers.  Signs make no difference and if you put  obstacles in their way, they only move them.  We've resorted to unmovable objects - big old hay wagon,  ditches dug by my husband on property perimeters with the backhoe.  Two snowmobilers actually tried to gang up on my husband the one night.  Thank God, he was able to turn the tables...   But it is somtimes dangerous just to confront them!!!

[davidk]

Susie,
We too have had people attempt to attack us physically. Usually they do so when they ahve the advantage in numbers. One on one or better they back down.
We have found that a great tool/weapon is a simple disposable camera. They cost less than ten bucks and when people see them in your hand their attitude changes dramatically.
They work great even in single digit temps where the fancy ones will not and if you break or lose a disposable it's no big loss financially.
The snowmobilers in this area are part of a club. At least a group of them are. Joe Sibio, who I think still lives over on Church Hill Road, was a member several years ago when we had a problem with our one piece in Ransom. When we asked they stay off they obliged. Joe was the guy we contacted.
ATV's are a different story.

JoeP,
Your right about the parents buying them for their kids. We have the most problems with kids.
One kid who lives over in Ransom is especially a problem. He and his friend actually came down through our fields and into the driveway one day. They stopped and asked directions how to get home as they had no idea where they were even though it was about .5 mile through the woods to their home. Of course they were 180 degrees off course.
We had to have the kids mother come get him. When we asked her about his trespassing she replied that he only rides on the trails in the woods!
This from a person who owns about one acre of land.
You try and stop these kids and the parents get angry. They see nothing wrong with their kid going and doing whatever they please. Of course it's your word against the kids and the little angels never lie.

The bottom line is the trespass laws are designed in favor of the violator. I've read them. Unless the property is posted, fenced or otherwise obviously off limits the intruders are essentially blameless.
Even if you do post they try and claim all sorts of things such as the signs are the wrong size, color, space apart, not signed, etc.
We have even had people claim we didn't own the land. When asked who did the trespassers said they didn't know.

On Saturday a guy claimed he worked for a local radio station and that it owned 100 acres where he was.
Problem is the station owns only one acre for their tower on the mountain and he was not on that acre. He was on our sanctuary.
He didn't give any hassle and said he wasn't coming back.

Overall the best defense is a good offense as the saying goes. Whenever possible you have to take these violators to the magistrates office and make them pay. If not fines at least a day  lost from work and possibly lawyer fees.
We have been doing this for years and it is the only thing that seems to have an impact.

[JoeP]

Davidk - a camera is a great idea.  I would use a digital one so I could Email the pics right to Chief Reese's office - oops, I forgot, the Township Departments don't have an Email/web capability.

Several years ago, two young brothers riding a 3 wheel machine failed to negotiate the turn on Beaver Pond Road by Elmer's house.  They went off the road into a culvert and both were thrown off.  One died almost instantly.  Parent or not, this rips your heart out.  Such as tragedy, one can only imagine the pain and grief this family has gone through.

Tragedies such as these haven't seemed to slow down the proliferation of these machines and the people (especially teenagers and pre-teens) driving them on public roads or private property.  I blame the industry most of all for the deaths, injuries and environmental damage these things have caused.

Joe

[davidk]

JoeP,
I think the township does have acess to the Internet. I believe the chief uses it quite often. As to an email adress I don't know. Maybe Francine could help if you call her at 587 1520.
I do not blame anyone for ATV abuse but the people who buy these things and know they have no legitimate place to ride them.
Nor do I want to see my tax dollars going to build them places to ride as some have proposed in the area.