OPINION: Pillaging pigs of prey
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa told The Gazette he may seek advice on how to prevent the dumping of personal property on the ground during evictions. Maketa's department gets court orders to assist with evictions of homes that have been foreclosed on. During this recession and mortgage crisis, evictions are becoming more common by the day and they're a nuisance to the sheriff 's department.
Sheriff 's deputies stand by for up to an hour during an eviction to ensure nobody gets harmed. The process is paid for, at least in part, by civil fees set by the Legislature and charged to evictors.
About 25 percent of the time, a resident hasn't moved and valuables from the property are hauled out by movers and left on the ground. Pillagers quickly compete to haul o the most valuable goods. If you see them, photograph them in the act and post the pictures online.
"I've seen that frenzy of people, standing by so they can help themselves when we leave," Maketa said. "They prey on it like they just can't wait. It's a sad state."
Maketa said he has no authority to take possession of the property, but he doesn't like the dumping and pillaging. He might determine he has no options, other than leaving the pillaging pigs to their prey. Let's hope, however, that he discovers and recommends a more civilized way.
