What action should a property owner take if they discover a trespasser?

When a property owner discovers a trespasser, contacting law enforcement or filing a formal complaint is often the most appropriate action to take. This course of action is advisable for several reasons.

First, trespassing can be a legal matter, and involving law enforcement ensures that the situation is handled within the bounds of the law. Law enforcement officers are trained to handle potentially volatile situations and can assess whether the trespasser poses a threat to the property owner or others nearby.

Second, involving the authorities creates a record of the incident, which could be valuable if future legal action is needed or if there are further issues with the same individual. A formal complaint can also help establish a pattern of behavior if the trespasser continues to violate the property owner's rights.

While asking the trespasser to leave politely might seem like a reasonable approach, it can lead to unpredictable outcomes. Confronting the trespasser directly may escalate the situation and put the property owner at risk. Ignoring the trespasser is not advisable since it does not address the violation of the property owner's rights and does not provide a solution to the trespassing issue.

Therefore, involving law enforcement strikes the right balance between protecting one's property and ensuring the safety and legality of the