Can't Get Rid of Squatter

Lmrluke on 05/07/2016 - 01:16

So this drug addict in an unregisted car with no number plates, a totally flat tyre and car that does not start, somehow rolled it into my apartment complex carpark and has put it in the corner and is living out of it. He is littering everywhere, just loitering around and sleeping in the car, right outside my apartment. I feel very uncomfortable about this and I am worried for my safety, the safety of my belongings in my house and also my vehicle. I called the cops and they say they will not do anything, he is not breaking any laws, the carpark is council property and he can stay there as long as he wants!

How do I get rid of this scumbag?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • dm01 on 05/07/2016 - 01:27
    +1

    Is the carpark undercover, or is it outside?

    Is the car positioned so that it can only be accessed from one side, or can doors on both sides be opened?

    P.S. Sounds like your local LE representatives are pretty useless at their jobs.

    • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 01:30
      +1

      It's outside. There is 16 apartments here over 3 blocks so there is 3 carparks, the back carpark near my place has about 8 carparks, he originally parked right in the front and centre but now he has moved it to the far corner but he can still access both doors, there is a small grassed area in between the carpark and the fence. He even opens the passenger door and tries to sleep across the front two seats with his legs hanging out the door.

      • dm01 on 05/07/2016 - 01:38
        +14

        Ahh, ok. In that case, sounds like you need to set up a garden sprinkler next to the car next time he's sleeping. If a sudden dousing isn't enough to give a hint, hopefully he kicks/damages the sprinkler, then another call to the cops - this time to report damage to property - is in order.

        But I would have thought a situation like this would fall under the responsibility of whoever administers the apartment blocks e.g body corporate, or the landlord. For all you know the guy is casing the apartments - I'd be making as much noise as possible to the police (and then their supervisor if they don't care), landlord etc.

        • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 01:42
          +26

          Yeah I thought the police would move him on but they said they went and saw him and it is 'not within their powers'. It's crap, try setting up a campervan in a beach carpark you won't last an hour but you can park a car with no numberplates in an apartment complex no worries, stay as long as you like…

          I will tell real estate tomorrow but I am fed up, going to move, yes I live in Frankston. :( stuff like this happens all the time.

        • c0balt on 05/07/2016 - 18:13
          +3

          @sirlothie:

          Blame the council, not the police, especially in that area.

        • knk on 09/07/2016 - 15:29
          -1

          @sirlothie:

          I thought you weren't legally allowed to sleep in your car?

        • Untameable on 06/07/2016 - 20:10
          +16

          Junkies don't deserve respect.

        • Grillman on 06/07/2016 - 23:50
          +4

          WTF?

        • BanannaMan on 07/07/2016 - 11:00
          +1

          @Grillman:

          I smell a troll Tren

        • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2016 - 20:46

          @DoctorOwl:

          Nor do people with spots.

        • callum9999 on 10/07/2016 - 15:42
          +1

          @Peannut: Believe it or not, there are still some compassionate people in the world.

          Very few people wake up and decide "I'm going to become a junkie today"… If you aren't interested in their wellbeing fine, but the idea that so many are perplexed as to why someone else would is very disturbing.

          In fact, it's this kind of callous behaviour (and the casual racism) that I'm most regularly told about by foreigners when I express my deep love for the country…

    • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 01:34
      +4

      Yes I can't believe it. I said he is a junkie, every time someone walks out to their car he hounds them for cigarettes, he just throws crap onto the ground, he filled up my rubbish bin, but cops said he is allowed to stay there unless I get the council to kick him out… It's not a commission flat, I pay private rent. I should not have to put up with this and I said it is private property but he said councils own car parks but I am not buying it. The messed up thing is if he damages or steals my car or breaks into my home he will just get away with it and I will lose everything. I am fuming.

      • McFly on 05/07/2016 - 01:41
        +1

        What did the council say about this?

        • Sick of This on 07/07/2016 - 09:31
          +3

          They want a piece of paper to move him on? Do the damn piece of paper!

        • Grillman on 06/07/2016 - 23:52
          +7

          Sounds like tren has a couch for him. Are you picking him up or do you want sirlothie to put him on a bus?

        • JV159 on 07/07/2016 - 22:53
          +2

          Maybe you should move your car away from this guy's apartment and stop bumming his Wifi?

      • Slippery Fish on 06/07/2016 - 18:31
        +1

        Give free alcohol, Throw drugs into car when he sleeps, report a raving drugo to cops say he passed out.

    • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 01:37
      +102

      Maybe by the needles left lying around I don't know, maybe you can tell a drug addict by the haggard, drawn out look on their face. Whats your address, I'll send him around to your joint and he can sleep in your driveway, see how you feel about it…

        • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 01:53
          +30

          He is about 3 metres from my front door and 2 metres from my car.

      • inherentchoice on 05/07/2016 - 11:28
        +3

        If he's taking drugs then surely the police could fine/arrest him for that, no?

        • thesigness on 05/07/2016 - 14:36
          +2

          They can arrest him for possession only if the drugs are on him at the time.

        • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2016 - 10:49
          -3

          @thesigness: Then set him up… Put contraband in his car, and tell the cops, anonymously of course.

          How to get the contraband? Perhaps you should go to a pub somewhere and find someone called Mother****er Jones.

        • BanannaMan on 07/07/2016 - 11:03

          @thesigness:

          Wait so if the drugs are on the ground / in the car they cant fine him?

  • Ughhh on 05/07/2016 - 02:23
    +2

    Does he ever leave the car? Call the tow guys.

    • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 02:28
      +10

      Lol someone suggested that to me. It's a harsh move to a guy living out of his car but he doesn't even respect the property he is squatting at. He is throwing trash everywhere. He deserves it and a drug addict driving around an unregistered car squatting out of it the cops should have canaried it but they didn't… he does go away during the day. I'll keep that ace up my sleeve but I don't want to rustle his feathers too much because he does know my car and my house… and he could even go after me…

      • Ughhh on 05/07/2016 - 03:05

        You can't call anonymously? Your'e too nice, maybe that's why he's there and not somewhere else. Why move when you're comfortable.

        • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 03:11
          +22

          I have had to deal with these type of people before. If you upset them they will damage your property or steal it, but he might do that anyway. Don't worry, I would love to march out there right now and tell him to **** off but desperate people like that are not to be messed with because they don't have much to lose. For all I know he is not worried about going to jail, he has probably been in and out his whole life so is not afraid of breaking the law.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2016 - 11:41
          +4

          Why move when you're comfortable.

          That's pretty harsh, Ughhh. The guy has no where else to go.

          Plus, he's in a car park which is council property and not OP's.

          I feel for OP but there's a reason why realestate in Frankston is so cheap- you can find a 2 bedroom with decent-sized backyard, close to the beach for $180 per week.

        • Ughhh on 05/07/2016 - 11:50

          @Jar Jar Binks:

          The guy has no where else to go.

          I'm talking about the guy in the car. He can't park somewhere else? Like near a park, some quiet random car park, or even down the road.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2016 - 12:50
          +21

          @Ughhh:

          I'm talking about the guy in the car.

          So was I.

          He can't park somewhere else? Like near a park, some quiet random car park, or even down the road.

          So you want him to stop inconveniencing the OP and go and inconvenience someone else? :)

          an unregisted car with no number plates, a totally flat tyre and car that does not start

          How do you suggest he get there?

          If I was in OP's shoes, I would have a chat with him and gently suggest that he contacts the Salvos' crisis and support centre. They have a walk-in centre at 37 Ross Smith Avenue East Frankston. They are opened from 8.30 to 5.30 weekdays. I might offer him a drive, if I was feeling brave or dumb enough, or more likely, give him the free call number 1800 825 955.

          There's also the option of contacting the council. Hopefully they send an outreach worker rather than just tow his car. Poor bloke. Hope things work out for him.

        • Ughhh on 05/07/2016 - 13:22
          +10

          @Jar Jar Binks:

          So you want him to stop inconveniencing the OP and go and inconvenience someone else? :)

          Yes, he can go inconvenience the pigeons at the park.

          How do you suggest he get there?

          The same way he got in the private parking lot. According to op, he rolled himself in there.

          My idea was based on ops post, I'm not saying it's the first or only thing you can do. It's just an idea.

          Throwing rubbish like disgusting syringes (which children could pick up) just shows how much he cares. Your chatting suggestion might help, but it looks like op doesn't feel safe to get close.

          But yes, council should have been called already.

        • Ughhh on 05/07/2016 - 21:41

          @sirlothie:

          Don't worry, I would love to march out there right now and tell him to **** of

          Don't do that! I said anonymously!

        • crazyj on 06/07/2016 - 12:32
          -4

          @sirlothie:

          Just turn the hose on him, full blast, and say it was an accident.

          If he gets angry and threatens you, then call the police and they'll take him away.

        • Lucky13 on 07/07/2016 - 09:05
          +1

          @Jar Jar Binks: Ahahahaha ahhh 2br for $180pw in Melbourne lol, nice optimism

        • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2016 - 10:52
          +2

          @Lucky13: $180 per week front house with plenty of parking.

        • Lucky13 on 07/07/2016 - 10:56

          @Jar Jar Binks: Wow ok I stand corrected, didnt know places like that existed. Thought it was all studios for $200-$220 upwards

        • zoe hart on 08/07/2016 - 14:08

          @Jar Jar Binks:six month lease only

        • catbrain on 10/07/2016 - 08:02

          @Jar Jar Binks: Yep, I'm guessing it's 6 months only because they're going to demolish and rebuild when the permits come through. It doesn't look like the structure has been cared for.

      • The Champagne Mile on 05/07/2016 - 08:42

        Any chance you can mobilise a number of drivers to all park in the car parks for 72 hours, so he can't get his usual 'park' when he returns?

        • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 15:01
          +6

          His car doesn't go anywhere, only he does.

        • cantanga on 08/07/2016 - 16:56

          @sirlothie: Do you have a mate with a welder. Weld all his doors shut while he is away. Doesn't help the situation but might help you feel better to know you've pissed him off

      • dogboy on 05/07/2016 - 09:33
        +27

        Sounds like a pikey. Maybe challenge him to a bare knuckle fight over the space.

        • melbstheburn on 06/07/2016 - 13:41
          +2

          And there's my Internet chuckle for the day

        • Sick of This on 07/07/2016 - 09:36
          +2

          Arf ookin 8 pikeys

      • cameldownunder on 06/07/2016 - 14:35

        If he is so close to you, and you know he is away during the day, take your garden hose and fill the car with water.
        Or fill the car with sugar, that will attract the ants.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2016 - 23:56
        -5

        Wow, you'd be willing to take away this poor man's entire life? It's not his fault he's a drug addict with a miserable life. You're a cold and evil person. Take Jar Jar's advice and try and actually help the guy, not push him into a deeper hole.

        • TrafalgarSean on 07/07/2016 - 05:27
          +10

          Op doesn't force his addictions on him. Don't make excuses for his poor life decisions.

        • ykwon10 on 07/07/2016 - 09:37
          +1

          Who's fault exactly for his drug addiction and miserable life?

        • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2016 - 11:07
          +4

          @TrafalgarSean:

          Don't make excuses for his poor life decisions.

          He clearly is suffering from mental illness. He needs help. Why not help someone if you can?

        • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2016 - 11:34
          +3

          @ykwon10: Could be anything; broken childhood, mental illness, etc. If it was your choice, would you be a junkie? I don't think so. Do you really think he chose to be a junkie?

        • ykwon10 on 07/07/2016 - 12:47

          @tren: Whatever the reason behind becoming a junkie, nobody forces him to do so. Assuming someone did literally "forced" him to, he could have gotten help from someone (agencies, Salvos, etc) instead of continuing becoming a junkie. Being irresponsible and dumping needles everywhere makes it worse. You can be the Mr Nice Guy and defend him all you want. By all means, contact OP and offer help to the homeless if it makes you feel superior.

        • sandbank0825 on 07/07/2016 - 17:59

          @Liamaaa: sorry for the new age-y video, but the content is good

        • ThePunchingBag on 08/07/2016 - 11:54

          @tren: Obviously NO…He did not choose to be a Junkie BUT he would of been straight the first time he did drugs…Of clear mind & people still choose to do drugs even though it's reported everyday what drugs do to people…people keep doing them

        • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2016 - 13:46
          +1

          @ThePunchingBag: Plenty of people do drugs and don't get addicted. Some people get addicted to chocolate, sex, etc.

        • Speckled Jim on 08/07/2016 - 15:47
          +2

          This is a generational thing. Just as there's always young/curious/bored people in the world, there will always be a market for illicit drugs.

          If strategies are in place and consistently, properly resourced, the best you can hope for is a small percentage of drug users among the populace. Of that, approx 75% may be recreational, the rest habitual.

          Think of it like this: just as we'll never have 100% employment, we'll never have a 100% drug-free society.

        • goodcopbadcop on 08/07/2016 - 18:18

          @tren: Of course he chose to be a junkie. Just like I choose not to be. Won't be long and everyone can use mental health issues to excuse any number of behaviours.

        • callum9999 on 10/07/2016 - 15:49
          +1

          @ykwon10: The fact you think you have to be "Mr Nice Guy" to not abuse the mentally ill homeless speaks volumes of your character…

        • ykwon10 on 10/07/2016 - 17:02

          @callum9999: Wow! since when OP is abusing the homeless?

    • lysp on 07/07/2016 - 11:52
      +2

      Tow people usually won't move cars off private property.

      They are open to legal action by doing that.

      • Marty131 on 09/07/2016 - 08:42
        +1

        Isn't the issue here that it is not private property?

  • Geewhizz on 05/07/2016 - 07:00
    +21

    Just get the council to deal with it. They are the only ones who can.

  • chumlee on 05/07/2016 - 07:04
    +14

    Raise it with the body corp.

  • dasher86 on 05/07/2016 - 07:12
    -4

    Bikies…
    Or get some people there who can, a group of people he has never seen before and cannot connect them to you.

  • mskeggs on 05/07/2016 - 07:49
    +44

    You seem really angry about what this person might do, and you have so far tried a single call to address it.
    Presumably, if he is sleeping in a car he is having a pretty rough time right now. I sympathise with you that you don't want people living in a car outside your house, but describing this person as scum and a junkie isn't helping resolve the problem.
    As Geewhiz noted, the council has responsibility for this, and you should raise it with them. They can advise how to proceed.
    As you point out, rangers are quick to move along a campervan so you should expect the same in this case, and I would be calling the elected councillors straight away if you don't get an immediate response from the council staff.
    I am surprised the cops didn't defect the car if it is unregistered. They seem willing enough to fine people for driving unregistered/insured. Perhaps they have, and the person is ignoring the fines so far?

    In any case, you might mention to the person that you have heard other residents are unhappy, and he might like to move to a different car park in another council area to avoid trouble. If I was in his position I would be seeking to avoid attention so this might work.

    • The Champagne Mile on 05/07/2016 - 08:43
      +21

      Well said. Another option would be to ring a homeless shelter / agency who might be able to send a rep out to talk with /support him, or at the very least, give you some advice.

      • Coconutdog on 05/07/2016 - 15:08
        +2

        Ring the council ranger.

    • Mumbles on 05/07/2016 - 22:23
      +6

      My guess is that the Police are treating this as a homeless person. If the Police confiscated the car then the gentleman would be displaced and the Police would have to deal with him daily as a homeless person. He's currently self sufficient and living safely.

      • ThePunchingBag on 08/07/2016 - 11:58
        +2

        Living safely ??? He's leaving syringes on the ground…dumping rubbish on the ground…What if he has HEP B/C, Aids, etc…Some child picks up a syringe & pricks themselves…Now imagine it your child !!!

  • Gotchas on 05/07/2016 - 08:43
    +2

    Offer to buy his car for less than wreckers offer you and tow truck fee

    • ankor on 05/07/2016 - 20:05
      +5

      Then Mr junkie will take the money, turn around and keep living in the Op's new shit box.

    • vicerum on 05/07/2016 - 09:21
      +15

      What are you on about?

        • thesigness on 05/07/2016 - 14:38
          +23

          Outlander are you the guy sleeping on OP's driveway?

      • syousef on 05/07/2016 - 19:42
        +23

        What are you on about?

        That sentence is one word too long.

    • Speckled Jim on 05/07/2016 - 19:19
      +2

      lol straight outta the MKUltra playbook.
      You cruel bugger.

      • congo on 08/07/2016 - 00:00

        Really? MKUltra?

        • Speckled Jim on 08/07/2016 - 11:22
          +1

          A poorly funded, ghetto take on it.
          Same principle.

    • stonkered on 07/07/2016 - 14:42

      gee 15 downvotes by 15 downeys

    • RJK on 09/07/2016 - 22:14
      +1

      well you made me laugh anyway :) humour is subjective I suppose.

  • Donaldhump on 05/07/2016 - 09:20
    +21

    how about take the dude a hot meal, and not assume he is a scum bag.
    he is obviously out of luck, and needs help. imagine for one moment you woke up tomorrow owning nothing and had no job. where would go/sleep/eat etc. how would you feel if someone walked passed you and called you a scum.

    • rowenaduncan on 05/07/2016 - 09:31
      +12

      That was my thought too. Why not just go try talk with the dude. Get his story at least. Try helping the poor guy
      .

      • dogboy on 05/07/2016 - 09:38
        +10

        Good idea. That way, if he turned out to be a real scum bag you wouldn't feel any remorse in having him removed by the council. If he does turn out to be an ok guys down on his luck, you might be able to help him get back on track and feel like a better human being for the experience.

        • goodcopbadcop on 08/07/2016 - 20:10

          It is bad enough when you have a neighbour who lives in squalor - you can't get rid of them particularly if they own the property. But here is a squatter and it appears to be as though he has rights and lots of people believe that he has more than the apartment owner.

      • drdolphin on 05/07/2016 - 10:41
        +37

        Leaving his syringes around isn't a "poor guy" or someone "out of luck". Its easy to feel sorry for someone from the cheap seats, but the fact is the OP has done nothing wrong and is (rightfully) concerned for his safety.

        • GourmetFoodie on 13/07/2016 - 16:59

          Well said. Bet they wouldn't have any sympathy if guy was in their car park!

      • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 12:32
        +25

        There are plenty of services available to help people in this situation. He says sorry my car has broken down and proceeds to throw garbage and syringes everywhere and linger in my carpark indefinitely. He is not a nice guy.

        • Kangal on 06/07/2016 - 03:32
          +1

          Have you spoken to any of your neighbours?
          What do they think?

          Perhaps he is one of your neighbours, that's recently been evicted or down-on his luck (if you don't know your neighbours).

          I just think that having good relations with your neighbours has its perks.
          If they see him peeking at your residence or breaking in, they can yell/stop him or even warn you.
          I mean, he could be a nuisance not just for you… and if he really is a threat, having two residents approach your real estate, police, and council would resolve things a lot easier.

        • Donaldhump on 06/07/2016 - 13:37
          +4

          what services are they?
          cos let me tell you, services these days r garbage.

        • mskeggs on 06/07/2016 - 13:52
          +3

          @unclesnake:
          Don't take this the wrong way Unclesnake, but when unclesnake is the bleeding heart defending people you know you have found some pretty harsh opinions!

        • [Deactivated] on 07/07/2016 - 11:11
          +6

          There are plenty of services available to help people in this situation

          I beg to differ.

          Source: My wife was a social worker who gave a damn.

    • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 12:27
      +18

      This guy has probably been 'out of luck' for 20 years. He clearly didn't lose his job yesterday.

      • crazyj on 06/07/2016 - 12:33
        +2

        Maybe he is your landlord, and he's just wanting to keep an eye on you. LOL!

      • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2016 - 13:19
        +6

        Homelessness is a downward spiral, it leads many to longterm homelessness due to mental issues that come along with it.

    • mrluke on 05/07/2016 - 12:35
      +14

      I wouldn't park in someone's driveway and call it home. I would go to the salvos or something. This guy is a professional bum.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2016 - 17:02
        +3

        Do you think he likes being in the position he is in? You don’t know what has happened to him, yet you are pretty quick to assume that he is a scumbag. Have some compassion.

        Pretty much don’t care how much this gets negged, we are all people and sometimes people have rough luck that leads them to places they don’t necessarily want to be in.

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