Neighborhood Hires Security For ATV Desert Hot Spot

There is stepped-up security near an east El Paso County neighborhood where residents say they are fed up with trespassers.

Two weeks ago, three teens were involved in a deadly ATV crash by homes situated near the Socorro Student Activity Center.

Despite barriers surrounding the miles of desert private property, residents say the spot remains popular with those looking to take dirt bikes or ATVs out for a spin.

The Americas Estates Neighborhood Association has now hired off-duty El Paso sheriff’s deputies to help enforce the no trespassing zone this Memorial Day weekend. The organization has already spent about $3,000 in signs and security for the area.

“We’re giving people criminal trespass warnigs letting them know, ‘Hey, you know this is private property, you can’t be out here,'” said Deputy Jesse Tovar. “It’s for the safety of the comunity.”

Most of the people who were stopped in the area Sunday afternoon were unaware the desert was off limits.

“The 6 signs we’ve put up (are not keeping trespassers out),” said Judy Ramirez, the head of the Americas Estates Homeowner’s Association. “We probably need 54 signs to be posted because sometimes (people) come in through the back and don’t realize they’re in a no trespassing zone.”