Mia Williams
Suspected squatters were found in a half-a-million dollar mansion after they made a massive blunder.
Police in Georgia have arrested six people, who allegedly decided the property was theirs on December 25, 2023.
A video filmed by a local shows police officers handcuffing the alleged squatters, who had been living at 4300 Caveat Court, and sitting them just outside the house on the sidewalk.
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According to authorities, the property, which Zillow estimates is worth $518,400, is supposedly vacant.
As per Fox 5 Atlanta, Hampton Oaks Homeowners Association Vice President Kendra Snorton said: “The ringleader, we see him walking his dog all the time.
“He's very courteous and polite when he interacts with the community.”
South Fulton cops were able to find the trespassers after they decided to steal a neighbor's car while the owners were out of town.
Mel Keyton, President of Hampton Oaks Homeowners Association, told Atlanta News First: “Squatters stole her car and they brought it back over here to drive it in the driveway.
“When the police showed up, the car was behind us in the yard.
“That's how we put two and two together.
“We don't know who these people are and what they are doing.”
The South Fulton Police Department told the Daily Mail that the car was safely returned to its owner, and added: "We sincerely appreciate the vigilance of our community members, who play a vital role in our ongoing efforts to reduce crime in our city."
Neighbors in the area hope that a new law being put in place will deter squatters from attempting this in the future, but will also mean that it doesn’t take a crime to get them arrested.
Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill, known as the Georgia Squatter Reform Act, into law last month.
This law will define squatting as 'entering and residing on the land or premises of the owner without consent'.
Offenders would be required to provide documents outlining consent within three days, and a failure to do so will result in an arrest for criminal trespassing.
If the correct documents are presented, the squatter would attend a magistrates court within seven days to prove they are real.
If this isn’t the case, trespassers could incur a $1,000 fine or up to one year in jail, or if you’re really unlucky… both.
UNILAD has contacted South Fulton Police Department for comment.