By hannover-web.com A woman has recently been charged in Queens for attempting to illegally occupy a vacant home, a situation that was uncovered by vigilant neighbors. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about property safety and rights in the area.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, 49-year-old Laurel Bay was arrested for her efforts to claim ownership of a single-family home in Howard Beach that has been unoccupied since 2012, with its owner residing out of state.
Court documents reveal that on the evening of July 18, a neighbor noticed Bay acting suspiciously in front of the home, moving items in and out. The neighbor promptly called the police. When officers arrived, they found Bay exiting through the front door and arrested her, issuing her a summons for illegal entry.
Just three days later, the same neighbor noticed further unusual activity. Items in the house appeared to have been rearranged, and the basement door was ajar, prompting another call to law enforcement. Upon arrival, police found Bay attempting to climb out of the basement window and arrested her again, resulting in a second summons.
Subsequent investigations revealed that Bay had tried to change the locks on the doors, causing damage to both the front and back entrances. She now faces multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, fourth-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trespass, petit larceny, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.
New York City law offers protection to individuals who reside in a home for over a month, regardless of a lease agreement. This legal loophole has led some individuals to occupy vacant properties, which can impose a challenging and prolonged legal battle for homeowners seeking to regain control. A concerning incident this past summer saw a homeowner attempting to evict a squatter end up arrested themselves, bringing widespread attention to the issue of “squatters” in the community.
In addressing these challenges, District Attorney Katz emphasized that entering someone else’s home without permission and claiming residency is a serious crime. She urges homeowners with vacant properties to remain vigilant about their security systems. Prompt reporting of suspicious activity, as demonstrated by the concerned neighbor in this case, can effectively deter unwanted squatters and protect property rights.
