Police Remove Trespassers In Manhattan Home Not Listed By Realtor

MANHATTAN, IL — Several families were removed Monday from a home in Manhattan, according to Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold. The families were trespassing on the property, though no charges were filed, according to Wold.

Manhattan police responded to the home on Rolland Court in the Leighlinbridge subdivision at approximately 8 a.m. Monday, Wold said. The property owner did not want to pursue charges against the people, but the trespassers were told to leave, Wold said.

The trespassers later returned to the property at approximately 11:30 a.m. but were not able to get inside, Wold said. Police again went to the property, but the trespassers had left before police arrived, Wold said.

There was some damage to the home, including to the floors and toilets, which were not hooked up to any plumping, Wold said.

Incidents like this have been happening across the country, according to Manhattan Realtor Carrie Mitcheff. In this case, the Manhattan home was not listed with any Realtor; rather, the home is owned by a corporation that allows potential renters to receive a code to gain access to the home for viewing, and people can end up staying in the home for days at a time before they are forced to leave, Mitcheff said.

The Manhattan Police Department is asking residents to be on the lookout for people at homes for sale or rent when no real estate agent is present. Manhattan PD is asking people to call them if they suspect someone is trespassing or if they suspect any other criminal activity.

This article has been updated to include information provided by Manhattan Realtor Carrie Mitcheff