(NewsNation) — A Southern California man is helping homeowners hunt down and remove squatters from their properties as the issue of squatting takes hold in cities across the U.S.
Flash Shelton, self-described as an “anti-squatter activist,” assembled a team known as the “Squatter Hunters” to confront and clear out criminals who have taken over other people’s houses.
Shelton says his mission began after his father’s death in 2019. As he was helping his mother sell her home, seven strangers moved in with their furniture and refused to leave. After learning about squatters’ rights, Shelton learned how to navigate the complicated system, often working with law enforcement.
Now, videos of him and his team confronting squatters regularly rack up thousands of views on social media. Shelton’s services are not cheap, with clearing and cleaning ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, but many believe the cost is worth it as some criminals specialize in squatting.
Recent squatting incidents in the Hollywood Hills made news after police cleared a mansion where squatters were producing content for OnlyFans. Nearby, police cleared another mansion that had become a regular spot for massive parties by squatters.
With court systems across the country backed up, it can often take months or even years to get eviction orders, and the actual eviction can become very complicated, warranting outside help from the squatter hunters.