Prevent unauthorized parking

[Ray S.]

I have a 4-plex with 4 parking spots. People keep parking in our vacant spaces or blocking the driveway. The tow companies never come when I call them. And I'm also slightly afraid of a retaliation if I have someone towed, which is why I'd like to focus on prevention first

What can be done to deter or prevent people stealing spots? I was thinking about installing folding, lockable bollards, but I'm not sure I like the appearance of them. Anyone recommend them or have any thoughts on other prevention methods? 

[Michaela G.]

Have had that issue a few years ago.  There's a process: 

Call one of the big, bonded towing companies in your area. You can make an arrangement with them and they will give you pre-printed signs, that warn about parking for unauthorized people , cite the law, and has the contact info for this towing company. 

It's sort of like having a 'no trespassing' sign on your vacant property. Until you have that, the police can't arrest someone simply for being in your yard. 

Once those official signs are up, you can call the towing company for towing. I know you don't really want to tow them. But the sign being professional and mention a special towing company will hopefully be a preventative. 

And if you want to spend the money, you could have a friend park there and have his car towed away. Make a big deal of it and make sure that the neighbors notice it and see that you're serious. ;-)