Douglas Co. cracking down on squatters

Law enforcement officials in Douglas County want residents to look out for squatters in their neighborhoods.

Representatives from Douglasville police, as well as the Sheriff's Office, met with residents Tuesday night in an effort to crack down on people they say are cheating the system. Margaret Aikens told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri she has caught squatters at the home next to hers.

"I was furious," Aikens said. "My husband observed a gentleman trying to get in through the back door. He did get in."

She notified the homeowner after she said the man left the home unlocked.

"It was my impression that he was prepping the house for somebody else to come in, but there's no electricity and no water," Aikens said.

Sheriff Phil Miller said it's clear, "If you didn't rent it, you didn't buy it, you didn't lease it, and somebody didn't invite you, you ought to stay out of it."

Channel 2 reported on a man living in a $300,000 vacant Douglasville home for free using something called adverse possession. Investigators arrested Roderick Walker after the report aired. Miller said the law was created to deal with property disputes, not steal houses.

Gary Waer is part of a neighborhood watch in his Douglasville subdivision.

”It's bold and it's scary and it's a shame that our society has lost that much character that they will take advantage of situations like this," Waer said.

Police asked neighbors to look out for those living in homes without power. They also wa to watch for people putting out security alarm signs or changing locks.

Miller said he expects lawmakers to propose legislation in 2012 to toughen up current laws.