Oakdale Vandals and Squatters – Examples of Central Valley Problem

Over the last year, the city of Oakdale’s police department has received 164 calls related to disturbances at vacant properties. Many of those calls were to report vandals or squatters but other common violations include trespassing, theft and drug dealing.  This problem is not unique to Oakdale, it is prevalent throughout the entire central valley real estate market wherever there are areas of concentrated vacant homes. These can be abandoned homes or halted development tracts. In an effort to help keep the local property values the best they can be it is important to be vigilant about reporting all suspicious activity. Otherwise if left alone, neighborhoods can quickly slip into obvious distress which can turn away potential homebuyers and drive down home prices.