The Spring Hill Police Department has responded to multiple complaints this year from area land developers and contractors concerning citizens trespassing on property that is, or soon will be, developed.
Any land being developed by a private owner or developer is private property, not open to the public, including playing, walking or riding bicycles.
Developers and/or contractors have equipment onsite valued in the millions of dollars. Once constructions begins, there are ditches, culverts, supply lines and other related construction processes that can be of hazard to someone if they are walking on or near the site.
SHPD has responded to reports of vandalism, to include minor spray painting to destruction of equipment, where rocks are being thrown at machinery, and individuals are physically pulling up stakes or markers put in place to mark property boundaries, said Spring Hill Police Chief Don Brite. One complaint reported to SHPD involved someone who entered a piece of earth moving equipment, started the engine, and left it running. Fortunately, the individual was unable to drive the equipment, Chief Brite said.
Contractors are mostly concerned about the safety of citizens being on the property during the construction phase given all that takes place during construction, to include hazards that the general public may not be aware of. There also are concerns with potential vandalism to equipment and materials on the property, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Should someone be arrested for such damage and found guilty in court, that individual, or parents of juveniles charged, may be subject to paying restitution for damages.
“The public needs to be aware that developing land is private property and, without owners’ consent, the public is not entitled to be on the property,” Chief Brite said. “Some developers or contractors are posting ‘No Trespassing’ signage on their property, and should a person be caught on the land, they are subject to being criminally charged with trespassing.”
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