What to Do If Someone is Trespassing on Your Property?

If someone is trespassing on your property, you might be concerned about it and what you should do to prevent it and ensure your safety.

In this article, we will explain what to do if someone is trespassing. We will discuss the legal actions and possible penalties. We will also share some ways to prevent trespassing on your property.

What is Trespassing?

Trespassing refers to entering or being in a property without the owner’s permission. The trespasser could be at the property for a reason, such as damaging the property or stealing something, or there could be no reason at all.

It is undoubtedly unlawful to enter someone’s property without permission and stay there for some time. No matter whether any harm is done to the property or not, impermissible entry is prohibited.

Trespassing can be unharmed or severe. Therefore, you should be very careful and try everything you can to prevent it.

What to Do If Someone is Trespassing on Your Property?

Here’s what you can do if you see someone trespassing on your property.

If You Feel Safe

If you feel safe, try to take videos and photos of the person trespassing. It will serve as proof if needed. Then, politely ask the person to leave your property and not do it again. You can also warn him/her about consequences, such as calling the cops.

If Sense Potential Danger

If you sense any danger, make sure to lock the door and stay in a safe place. Call the police immediately and inform them about the situation. Do not open the door or try to confront the trespasser.

Using Force to Get Them to Leave

If the trespasser has a serious record, you can get him to leave using force. But make sure to use appropriate force. And keep in mind that deadly force is not justified, so do not try to injure or hit the trespasser.

You should only use force if needed and when you want to protect yourself. Before doing anything, call the police and inform them about the situation.

What is the Penalty for Trespassing?

Trespassing is illegal, and its penalty depends on the seriousness.

For minor trespassing cases, the penalty is usually a warning or a small fine. Trespassers usually do not do that again. Police might warn the trespasser and explain the consequences and penalties in the future.

But if the trespasser commits a crime, injures the owner, or does anything else illegal, he could be arrested. It can also lead to jail, and the duration depends on the seriousness.
If any damage is made to the property, the trespasser needs to pay for it.

How to Protect Your Home from Trespassers?

Here are a few ways to protect your home from trespassers.

Install Security Cameras

The best way to prevent trespassing is to use a security camera. Trespassers will not dare to enter your property.

You can install Altas PT Ultra at your property. It is a battery-powered camera that records every detail even in power outages. It can record continuously for eight days for 12 hours a day, and you can choose the motion detection mode to use the battery for up to 16 months. In case of any intruder, you will receive instant alerts on your devices. You can deter them by talking through the camera as it supports two-way audio.

It captures videos in 4K for optimal clarity. It also tracks the movement of objects and sends accurate alerts. It is also equipped with Reolink ColorX technology, which gives true colors even at night.

Post Warning Signs

You can also have warning signs on the property at different locations. You can paste stickers on walls or install signs in the front yard. It keeps intruders away as they are aware of the consequences.

Fences and Gates

Fences and gates are also great to keep trespassers away. You can install them around your property. It makes your property more secure, and intruders won’t try to do anything wrong.

Use Motion-Activated Lighting

Motion-activated lighting can be helpful in preventing trespassing. It automatically turns on when someone is around it. When trespassers try to enter a property with motion-activated lighting, they usually leave it immediately. It shows someone is looking after the property.

Maintain Landscaping

You also need to maintain the landscape. The bushes, long grass, and other hindrances are perfect places for trespassers to hide. Keep your area clean and tidy so that you can easily monitor it through the camera and eliminate all hiding places.

FAQs

1. Can you trespass someone from your property?

No, you are not allowed to trespass on someone’s property. It is illegal, and you could face penalties. Often, people don’t like intruders on their property, and they get angry if someone does so.

2. What is the penalty for trespassing in California?

It depends on the seriousness. Common trespassing leads to warnings and small fines. But if there are other serious violations, such as theft, injuring the owner, burglary, etc., the penalty could be jail as well as hefty fines.

3. What is 3 types of trespassing?

The three types of trespassing are Civil Trespassing, Criminal Trespassing, and Aggravated Trespassing. Civil Trespassing is when someone enters or remains on a property without permission. Criminal Trespassing is when someone enters a property to commit a crime. Aggravated Trespassing is when someone enters a property and does not leave after warnings and by force.

Conclusion

Trespassing is quite common, and as a property owner, you should be aware of what it means and what you should do if someone is trespassing on your property. We have explained what you can do in different circumstances to expel the trespasser from the property while ensuring your safety. We have also shared the ways to prevent trespassing in the future. The best way is to install security cameras as they keep intruders away.