LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Paradise Palms is facing a persistent issue with squatters, despite efforts to board up multiple abandoned properties in the area. Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, representing District E, expressed his frustration during a visit to the neighborhood on Tuesday morning.
“It is unacceptable, in a neighborhood, to have people in and out of these abandoned houses. So we have to do something,” said Segerblom. He was responding to a property, 3369 Nahatan Way, that was breached again over the weekend despite previous efforts to secure it.
Segerblom emphasized the need for vigilance, noting that the squatters are organized and persistent. “These are not homeless people. These are people who are pretty organized and will come back. If you do not pay attention they will break in and stay there some more or steal stuff so we have to be constantly vigilant,” he said. He also warned that homeowners who neglect their properties could face legal action. “If you report stuff, again, we are going to do stuff. We will board it up and, if we have to, take the owners to court and take the building up.”
Paradise Palms resident Rose Hokenson was surprised by the recent squatter activity near her home. “I had not seen hardly any of them,” she said, sharing security camera photos of the intruders. Hokenson admitted it’s becoming harder to distinguish between the regular passersby and squatters. “Well, you do not. That is just it. So, you know, all I can do is keep taking pictures of them and you can keep putting them on the news.”
During an off-air conversation, Segerblom reminded Hokenson to contact him, even on weekends, if she notices suspicious activity. “I do have his number so I can call him. I just have not done it because, on weekends, when this place is like Grand Central Station. It is, like, who do you call?” Hokenson said. When asked if she would call Segerblom on weekends now, she replied, “Oh yeah!”
Segerblom issued a final warning to homeowners already facing liens. “If we have to take it over ourselves and sell it for taxes, we will do it,” he said…