Awareness of suspicious activity in our neighborhoods helps to keep them crime free. Symptoms include graffiti, abandoned cars, and excess litter. The Woodland Police Department (WPD) Volunteers in Policing (ViP) program assists the city in reporting and removing abandoned vehicles, which can be indicative of criminal activity or threats to neighborhood safety. At times, abandoned cars show a tolerance of criminal activity that can eventually affect the safety of a neighborhood. In general, vehicles cannot be stored on public streets that are governed by the rules of the California Vehicle and Woodland Municipal Codes. When a vehicle appears to be stored on the street rather than being used as a primary means of transportation, the ViPs are able to mark it for 72 hour notice, as stated in the California Vehicle Code Section 22651. Vehicles must be driven every 72 hours or be subject to tow at owner’s expense.

The ViP process to help neighborhood stay free from the blight of abandoned cars is very specific. In fact, it is outlined in California Vehicle Code that a ViP must have special training so that the removal of these vehicles is carried out according to municipal, state, and even federal law. The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States protects its citizens from the unlawful seizure of their property. Several ViPs, including Sharon Reeser and Gerald Dawson, have had this training. Other ViPs, such as Shirley Higgins and Genelle Lopez accompany the trained ViPs to help spot reported vehicles and carry out proper notification that the vehicle may be towed. When appropriate, trained ViPs will place a yellow courtesy notice on the vehicle that explains the state and municipal codes which have been violated and that continued violation may result in a citation. The ViP then marks the pavement to show the current location of the vehicle. In most cases, the owner will be given 72 hours to either remove the vehicle from the street or drive it a reasonable distance. A ViP will return no sooner than 3 days to determine if the owner has complied.

If you are interested in learning more about how ViPs help to keep neighborhoods clean and safe, yet, follow proper procedures to support Constitutional rights, check out the Vehicle Abatement Manual in the ViP office or better yet, ride along with Sharon or Gerald to observe their attention to detail when carrying out vehicle abatement. You can also help our community if by reporting abandoned or street-stored vehicles. Signs of abandonment include cobwebs, debris around the tires, debris on the vehicle, low tires, and missing or broken vehicle parts. Record the location of the vehicle, its make, model, color, and license plate number. Immediately report this to dispatch by calling 530-666-2411 or by sending an email to crimeprevention@cityofwoodland.org. Although the complaint process is confidential, it’s helpful to give your name and telephone number for further information. Your identity will never be shared in any circumstance. Through awareness and reporting signs of neglect, we can keep Woodland neighborhoods safe!