For some rural homeowners, unwanted visitors are becoming more than a nuisance. They describe people using what appears to be an app to reach private driveways, taking photos on the property, and, in some cases, going through barns and stealing items.
One online discussion suggested the incidents may not be isolated. Residents described a repeated pattern: cars pulling onto private land, stopping for the same kind of photo, and acting as though access to the property was expected.
Here's what to know
A rural homeowner posting on r/homeowners said the problem was affecting both their household and nearby neighbors, describing "a recent rash of people trespassing on our land."
According to the post, the drivers did not seem to be wandering at random. They would "confidently turn up the driveway without slowing down," stop at a particular place to take a photo from inside the vehicle, and then continue on to another property.
The original poster said the activity sometimes goes beyond photography.
In the OP's account, some of those visitors were also stealing from outbuildings. "They'd probably call themselves 'scavengers' or 'antiquers' or some such, but the reality is, they very confidently go through barns and outbuildings, try doors, and steal whatever they want," they wrote.
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After another user responded, "Holy s***, this same thing has been happening to me recently."
Sharing what they think is causing it, the original poster said, "In my case, it looks like my place has been posted on Randonautica, and they don't allow private property owners to remove themselves from the app. Even if they've been the victim of crime."
More background
Commenters from elsewhere said they had seen similar behavior, raising the possibility that the problem extends beyond a single property or neighborhood.
Another commenter said neighbors in their area were dealing with the same kind of unwanted visits and that barriers alone had not solved it.
"Signs don't work, gates work for vehicles but people are still climbing over, and even a gate won't stop people from driving off road to find a gap," the commenter wrote.
Commenters also pointed out that the app's terms tell people not to trespass on private property, "but obviously the users don't care."
The discussion also underscored how quickly repeated trespassing can feel dangerous. People described confronting strangers on their land, running intruders off from barns, and worrying that the situation could eventually turn violent.
What can be done?
Responses in the thread ranged from personal precautions to broader complaints.
Alongside suggestions to report them to Apple in the App Store or to the Attorney General's office, the original poster stressed a different goal: "But really I want to know what the source of this is and see if we can get our properties removed."
Other commenters emphasized practical ways to document incidents and deter repeat visitors.
Suggestions included "getting a camera to record license plates to report to your local police," and, in one area, a group of neighbors bringing "photos and videos" to the county sheriff.
According to that commenter, law enforcement then increased patrols and contacted several of the people involved.
For one homeowner, a visible driveway and posted sign still were not enough, leading to a simple next step: "Will be putting up a camera today. What a pain in the ass, though!"
Where can I learn more?
Other homeowners and communities have faced similar headaches, from trespassing and vandalism to neighbor disputes and the challenge of documenting it all. The articles here cover security footage of vandals, noisy neighbors, and illegal drone flights.
• Tesla camera footage caught parking garage vandals as they damaged a vehicle.
• One resident said sketchy motorcycle-owning neighbors left police unable to act.
• In Italy's Dolomites, tourists illegally fly drones despite strict national park rules.
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