A Hollywood Hills residence, spanning 11,000 square feet and worth millions, was vandalized by squatters who left graffiti messages such as “f— rich people.” Local media and the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed this information.
Fox 11 reported that the police were alerted to the property on Thursday after receiving a call about a woman screaming. They discovered the home defaced with graffiti, broken glass, feces, and ruined furniture.
An LAPD officer explained that it appeared to be an abandoned house. The occupants are squatting and are guilty of trespassing. The home has been listed for $10 million and boasts amenities like two gourmet kitchens, a pool, and a home theater.
Two women and a male—were cited for trespassing but were eventually released. They insisted it was a misunderstanding, with one of the women stating, “I was hired to clean up, take the squatters out, get the house ready for lease or for sale.”
However, the property’s real estate agent refuted their claim, stating that the trio had no authorization to be there. Neighbors reported the three had been on the property for approximately five days before the police were called on Thursday. One neighbor expressed concern saying, “I didn’t know it was happening. I’m just finding out. It doesn’t make me very happy. It makes me aware of my surroundings a little bit more.”
An LAPD spokesperson acknowledged that receiving calls about squatters in Hollywood is not uncommon. The spokesperson added, “Officers did contact the property owner, so it’s not abandoned. However, no available evidence proves that anyone currently occupies the residence.”
KTLA also reported that the police had been called to the property in January of the preceding year when a man, allegedly squatting, barricaded himself inside with a dog. At the time, he was accused of threatening someone with a shotgun.
Under squatter’s rights in California, you can take possession of a property if you occupy it continuously for five years without the owner’s permission.
