From other people's experiences along with my own, the trespassers in my neck of the woods have usually been teenagers or young adults. Often, it's a temporary thing, for they usually grow up and move on to bigger and better things in life.
If an older, serial trespasser IS encountered, that too is likely a temporary thing, because such a person is likely mentally inept, or too stupid to remain a free member of society.
I would also hazard a guess that the vast majority of vandalism perpetrated on vacant property is done so by teenagers .............. Especially drunken teenagers.
With 30 acres, once a full time resident along with a couple of good dogs is known to be onsite no one in their right mind is likely to trespass over a fence. There is no perfect solution for securing a vacant property, but getting to know some of the neighbors is a good start. Most landowners share the common interest of having their private property respected. If it appears that you're surrounded by idiots, sell immediately.
Ha, to relay a bit of personal experience in regards to this. I don't know how many times we have had a word with kids who are out and about, and eventually crossing onto our property. We go thru the usual story of private property, yada, yada...
Many times, later in the day, we get a call from the sheriff dept saying that so and so called, and the kids told them some outlandish story and the parents want us to be arrested. The dept knows its all a crock, but they go thru the formalities. We always say, good that they called, now you have their names and if they come again, there is no second warning.
Generally for me, if kids are halfway polite in encountering them, we just talk and they are reminded no more warnings. If they show disrespect, the sheriff escorts them back home. I feel you really aren't doing the kids any favors by ignoring poor behavior.
Kids are also responsible for a lot of "innocent" accidents. Like starting a little bonfire and it getting out of control and having a forest fire. Yes.... it has happened. Bad kids like to try to come off as innocent kids and get away their stuff. How many kids are responsible for bucket stocking a pond innocently. If they did ruin your stocking plan, costing you time and money, how do you feel then about controlling all trespassers?
