ATV riders damage mailboxes, yards

CAPE CORAL: Cape Coral residents are having trouble with people driving ATVs in their neighborhood, knocking down mailboxes and damaging yards. Cape Coral Police say there is something residents can do to help fix the problem.

Something was missing when Christina Thomas backed out of her driveway to go to work.

Her mailbox was strewn across her neighbor's driveway.

Tire tracks and scuffed up grass led police to blame the mess on an ATV.

"Whether it was done on purpose or it was an accident, it didn't matter what time it was, they could've knocked on the door and said hey, I trashed your mailbox, I'm sorry," said Thomas.

A new mailbox cost Thomas $100. She says it isn't about the money, it's about finding out who did it.

Police are helping her track down ATV riders in the neighborhood.

Captain Mike Torregrossa says the number of complaints about ATVs in the Cape are down but he says the police department is still faced with one problem. They need the public to call in when they see ATVs.

"What you hope is that you get somebody that makes a call and says hey, I saw a guy go over the curb and they're at this address. Aha, now we got you," said Torregrossa.

The officer has to catch the rider doing something illegal.

An ATV rider who has authorization to ride on certain property isn't violating any laws, but when they drive on the street it's against the law.

"We're dealing with some fiscal restraints and we're trying to be more efficient with our manpower and resources. But nonetheless when they complain or have issues, it's an issue for us and we're going to act," said Torregrossa.

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Source: http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=12000845

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