Pacific Grove Police cracking down on abandoned vehicles

The Pacific Grove Police Department is helping keep eye sores out of the area, as they crack down on abandoned vehicles.

Within the last week, the department has towed seven abandoned vehicles.

They say five were reported by community members and two were seen by parking enforcement.

“There’s been no indication as to why this occurred,” Jocelyn Francis, Administrative Services Manager with the Pacific Grove Police Department, said.” “It helps keep our streets safe when people report it to us.”

The department usually only responds when a complaint about the abandon vehicle is called in. They are targeting vehicles that are missing key equipment, like engines. Also, cars with registration expired by more than six months.

“California vehicle code states that vehicles parked on the public right-a-way, that’s highways, roadways, and public parking lots, have to move every 72 hours,” Francis said.

Outside of keeping residents happy, Pacific Grove Police say they want to hear these complaints and get abandoned vehicles off the road because of what they say can happen afterwards.

“Vandalism, things of that nature. If we keep our neighborhoods and our streets looking good, that’s good for our neighborhood,” Francis said.

Francis also tells KION that this hasn’t been a huge problem compared to other cities, but they want to let people know they are listening and acting on their calls.

If anyone sees a vehicle with leaves piled up, flat tires, broken windows, expired registration beyond six months, or any indication it has not moved in a long time, you are asked to call their main line at (831) 648-3143.