The Rise of Squatting and Property Theft in South Florida
Dangers Posed by Squatters and Property Theft
The dangers posed by squatting and property theft in South Florida were highlighted recently when two Miami-Dade Police officers were shot while investigating a complaint of a suspected squatter inside a home. The officers are now recovering, but authorities say these cases are becoming more challenging to investigate and are on the rise.
Increased Frequency of Squatting and Property Theft
Records from Miami-Dade Police show that there have been 17 calls involving squatters over the past three years in the area alone. This is just one example of the growing problem of squatting and property theft in South Florida. According to Ron Cacciatore, Director of Broward County’s Crimes Against Property Unit, complaints of squatters and property theft through fraud are at levels he’s never seen.
The Consequences of Squatting and Property Theft
Squatting and property theft can have devastating consequences for law enforcement and the public. In some cases, alleged squatters have put both law enforcement and the public in danger. A Fort Lauderdale homeowner who asked not to be identified had a run-in with a suspected squatter in 2022. "He was very, very upsetting," the homeowner said.
The Complexity of Squatting and Property Theft
Squatting and property theft are complex crimes that can involve fraudulent paperwork and multiple suspects. In many cases, suspects are able to transfer ownership of the property by filing fraudulent documents. Cacciatore notes, "They know, listen, I don’t own this house. I stole it. And they got to decide what they want to do."
The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office Response
The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office is working to combat squatting and property theft. The office has a team of investigators, made up of BSO partners and retired law enforcement, who investigate these complaints. The office also urges homeowners to sign up for their free Owner Alert program, which protects a property from scams or fraud by notifying the homeowner if a document is received by the BCPA transferring ownership of the property.
Conclusion
Squatting and property theft are serious issues that require immediate attention. The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office is working to combat these crimes, but homeowners must also take steps to protect their properties. By signing up for the Owner Alert program and being vigilant, homeowners can help prevent squatting and property theft.
FAQs
Q: What is squatting?
A: Squatting is the act of occupying a property without the owner’s permission.
Q: How common are squatting and property theft in South Florida?
A: According to records from Miami-Dade Police, there have been 17 calls involving squatters over the past three years in the area alone.
Q: What are the consequences of squatting and property theft?
A: Squatting and property theft can have devastating consequences for law enforcement and the public.
Q: How can homeowners protect their properties from squatting and property theft?
A: Homeowners can sign up for the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office’s free Owner Alert program and be vigilant about their properties.
