Martin_V3i
Elite Member
When you detect ROW (right-of-way) strips you need to be prepared for homeowners who frown upon what you're doing. Especially if you're detecting the strips in front of occupied houses. Many people consider that little grassy spot their property (and in a minority of communities it is, with the city just having an easement) and often don't know that technically it isn't. Even if they do know since they maintain it, they consider it theirs.
The problem with getting into a verbal debate with the complainer, as opposed to explaining that the strip is city property but still offering to leave, is that there's a decent chance it doesn't end there. If they call the police, it's very possible the the cop will consider you the problem. If the complainer goes griping to their alderman or whatever they call their government representative in the area, or worse yet if the complainer is in a position of power in the government, you could potentially see a new ordinance on the books that wouldn't be in your best interest.
Unfortunately some who have a problem with you being there won't confront you directly but instead will just call the police. Even if the cop is sympathetic to you, he will probably ask you to find somewhere else to detect because in his eyes that's the easiest way to solve the issue.
What I've found that works very well for me is asking permission when I see the homeowner outside. I ask if I can look for dropped coins in that "little city owned right-of-way strip". By phrasing it like that, I'm subtly letting them know it's not their property and also subliminally letting them know that I'm considerate enough to ask first. I usually get a yes, and a significant percentage of the time that leads to getting permission for the whole yard.
On an unrelated issue, I've got a question for everyone using the term "Karen": How would you feel if the public started referring to a self-centered, entitled and obnoxious man as your first name? I'm sure you guys are just trying to follow the crowd and don't mean to be insulting, but if you turn the tables and think about if that was your name being used disparagingly...I'm betting you wouldn't like it. Who would?
"Unfortunately some who have a problem with you being there won't confront you directly but instead will just call the police. Even if the cop is sympathetic to you, he will probably ask you to find somewhere else to detect because in his eyes that's the easiest way to solve the issue"
"BINGO!" Ain't us old farts got logical rights on public ground?