Trespassing + theft issue

[dmccarty]

One of the things my detective friend said is there are "bigger" things happening around him...did not put it all together but he does have a lot of expensive toys for a sheriff salary...think the Feds may already be watching.

In the big corruption case I mentioned, one of the things that became an issue was how these officers, some of the lowest paid in the state, in one of the poorest counties in the state, could afford boats, jet skis, cruises, new cars, etc.

Later,
Dan

 

[forgeblast]

We just had two judges found guilty of a "kids for cash" scheme. They would get kickbacks from a second party for every child they would send to this juvy detention center. But the money trail was their undoing. They are now looking at life in prison.

 

[MWRR]

I think consideration should be given that the thieves are neighbors. If it was not a neighbor I would, without hesitation, file a police report. However, when one lives in the country there are times when one must rely on his neighbors from time to time for some type of help..Its a country thing. Like if my cows get out they will help put them back in. I have caught and penned up my neighbors cows several times when they got out. I can remember a couple of years ago when I got my car buried in a huge snow drift in the middle of a terrible snow storm. My neighbor just happened to be out on his tractor and noticed me stuck a 1/2 mile away. He not only dug me out of the drift but he cleared the 1/2 mile of road to my house. Wouldn't take a dime. Try the "sugar approach" first. Maybe these neighbors could help watch your property in your absence for a small token of fruit. It's a very small price to pay, especially if you expand to 5+ acres.

I do understand how you feel. I give beef and watermelon to my neighbors when I have plenty. They give me sweet corn and other vegetables. Neither I nor my neighbors would just walk on the other's property WITHOUT PERMISSION and help ourselves to products on the other's farm. It's not what good neighbors do.

I would hope that you could convert these neighbors into being "good" neighbors. But, if all else fails you may have to contact the police.

 

[Steve IA]

Early on, when I first discovered their sneakiness, I would have been tempted to pay them a visit acting perfectly innocent.

Me: " Howdy. Ya know, I think someone's been sneaking into my berry patch and helping themselves. Have you seen any strange vehicles around? I'd sure like to catch the varmints."
Them: " Uh, uh why no. Who'd do such a thing? "
Me: " Hard to tell, but you might want to keep an eye on your stuff too. Today it's berries, tomorrow it might be tools. If you see anybody sneakin' around give me a call please."
Them: (wondering how much I really knew) "We'd be glad to. And nice to meet you. Hope you catch them"
me: "Yeah, Thanks. Have a nice day."

This approach might not be appropriate now, but I'd have been tempted early on. No confrontation. No accusations. Just information for them to ruminate on.

Good luck
Steve
Southiowa

 

[northwind318]

P on the berries closest to the road,No only kidding. Go to the Police and nip this in the bud.You work to hard to feed these Crimminals

 

[sailorman]

I think consideration should be given that the thieves are neighbors.

There was a time I would have agreed with this . I live in the country and well understand the concept of living with neighbors . Getting along and helping each other when possible benefits all involved .

These people are not neighbors . They are thieves who happen to live close by . They probably were thieves before the OP moved into the area and will continue to be thieves until stopped. They didn 't just start stealing .

 

[salopez]

while i think you did the right thing going to the police, which i would have done the same.

I would also post picturs of them all around town. there is nothing they can do. they can't sue for slander or liable...there is no legal recourse against the truth. if the whole town doesn't already feel these people are crooked, they will now.

 

[tennmogger]

When I was a kid the biggest watermelon patch in the county was right beside a public road. Temptation being what it is, pilferage was high. The farmer put up a big sign telling people to stay out of his melons. Didn't help. Then he changed the sign to say "one of these melons is poisoned". The next morning the 'one' was scratched out and the sign said "2 of these melons is poisoned".

P on the berries closest to the road,No only kidding. Go to the Police and nip this in the bud.You work to hard to feed these Crimminals

 

[David P]

Update: I have been awaiting a return call from the pd since Thursday so I contacted the trooper yesterday. He said that he has had opportunity to review the materials I dropped off and everything looks solid. I told him that I would call him tomorrow (today) and let him know how we would prefer that he proceed. I haven't wrestled with anything this difficult in quite some time and finally made a decision (good grief!).

My thoughts: As I have indicated previously, I have felt very compelled to visit the couple in person while recording our conversation and demand payment with the understanding that if I don't get it I will go to the police. I am very even keeled in discussions like that and have no doubt that I would have been able to maintain my composure. However, my wife is typically a very good judge of character and was quite adamant that a personal visit would not end well. Additionally, they have had ample time to make things right of their own accord. It would have been very easy for them to have contacted my wife to set up a time to pick berries and simply overpaid for them as a way to save face.

So I contacted the PD today and have requested that they proceed with their investigation. It's difficult to say why this has caused me so much turmoil. If they had stolen an equivalent amount directly from my wallet it would have been game-on from the get-go.

Thanks again for the comments. You have all been very helpful as I have weighed my options. I have especially appreciated the suggestions for killing them with kindness as that would most often be my course of action. Unfortunately, I just do not see a good ending to that option in this case.

 

[Agrantina]

well- i have followed this from the start and for me I just hope you get some resolve to it. I guess for me- I wish they could see what it has done to you and your wife and heartace it has caused you. That their stealing has caused you a LOT of pain... Lets hope you can move on after its all said and done. Heck maybe something good will come out of it all?

AndyG