AITA for calling the police on trespassers?
A son faces a tense encounter when trespassers invade his family’s private land. When a dirt bike nearly hits his dog, he calls the police, only to be met with a dismissive officer who brushes it off as “fun.”
On social media, a user shared their struggle to protect their mother’s vast property from reckless dirt bikers. When the police downplayed the issue, were they wrong to report it? The online community had strong opinions.
‘AITA for calling the police on trespassers?’
The story begins with a large piece of inherited land meant for family use, now solely owned by the user’s mother:
Visiting his mother, the user notices signs of trespassing on the property:
A dangerous incident unfolds when a trespasser nearly harms the user’s dog:
The user calls the police and spots another trespasser near a back entrance:
The officer’s response leaves the user frustrated and considering further action:
This story highlights issues of property rights and the responsibility of law enforcement to uphold them. The user and their mother have every right to protect their private land, especially with clear “No Trespassing” signs posted. The near-collision with their dog was a genuine safety concern, and calling the police was a reasonable step to ensure safety and prevent further damage.
Under property law, landowners have the right to exclude unauthorized individuals (Restatement of Torts, Second). The clear signage strengthens their legal stance. The dirt bikers’ actions weren’t just trespassing but also dangerous and potentially damaging to the land, such as causing trail erosion.
The officer’s dismissive attitude was unprofessional and concerning. Law enforcement is obligated to investigate reports of violations, especially on private property. Brushing it off as “minor” and suggesting the user let people “have their fun” was a failure of duty. His comment about subdivisions is irrelevant, as it’s not the user’s responsibility to provide recreational space.
Socially, this reflects a common issue in rural areas: tension between landowners and those seeking outdoor spaces. However, this doesn’t justify trespassing, especially when it risks harm or damage. The user and their mother are rightly concerned about liability if someone is injured on their land.
The user should report the officer to their supervisor, detailing the exchange and emphasizing the failure to act. They should also consider preventive measures like installing trail cameras, physical barriers (e.g., concrete posts or fences), and consulting a lawyer about fining trespassers if local laws allow. Adding signs like “Trespassing: $1000/hour fine” could deter future incidents. They should continue using the non-emergency police line for each trespass to build a legal record.
The user isn’t wrong for calling the police. They were protecting their property and safety, and the officer failed to assist. Reporting the officer and strengthening property defenses are necessary next steps.
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
The online community strongly supported the user, condemning the officer’s attitude and suggesting ways to protect the property. Here are the key voices.
Many affirmed the user’s right to report trespassers and criticized the officer:
Others offered practical solutions to prevent further trespassing:
Some highlighted the legal risks and need for action:
This story underscores the challenges of protecting private property from trespassers and the frustration of dealing with an unresponsive officer. The user acted to safeguard their land and pets, but the police dismissed their concerns. Were they wrong to call the authorities? How would you handle trespassers on your property? What should be done about an officer who fails to do their job?
