NILES Police crack down on junk cars throughout city

Once a warning is issued, owners have 10 days to remove the vehicle.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Police hope it will take only a warning for residents to rid their property of junk cars.
Traffic Officer Shawn Crank said the unlicensed and undrivable vehicles are becoming a problem, and residents who harbor them could find themselves in court.
"They are an eyesore," Crank said.
Police issued 69 warnings last year. Three of those people were cited into municipal court, and seven vehicles were towed, Crank said.
Sixty warnings have been issued already this year, 42 of them in April alone.
Crank said a warning is issued to the homeowner where junk cars are found. Sometimes there are more than one vehicle, meaning a citation is possible for each.
In addition to the warnings, fliers will be sent out with utility bills in the coming month, reminding people of the penalties for having junk cars on their property.
A city ordinance states that homeowners cannot park or store on their property, other than in an enclosed building or garage, any unlicensed or undrivable vehicles or parts.
Punishment
In Niles, the violation is considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $250 and as much as 30 days in jail.
Anyone cited again can be fined $500 and given 60 days jail time.
Once a warning is issued, owners have 10 days to remove the vehicle.
"After that, the vehicle is subject to being towed, and the owner can get a court summons," Crank said.
Niles is not the only municipality trying to combat the problem. In Lowellville, police Chief William Vance began issuing warnings in early April.
"This week I sent 12 notices by registered mail for junk cars or unlicensed vehicles," Vance said.
A village ordinance gives residents 15 days to get rid of the vehicles before they are cited, Vance said. So far, one resident was cited for three junk vehicles and was fined $220.
In cases of repeat offenders, Vance said, second warnings are not needed.
"The way it is in the village, if we cited John Doe for junk vehicles last year and he didn't comply, we can just cite him again," he said. "We don't have to warn him."
Vance and Crank said most people correct the problem when they are warned.
slshaulis@vindy.com