[Az-Geocaching] Caches on private property

[RopingThe Wind]

The recent posts about caches on BLM land got me thinking about cache 
placement.

I have done several urban caches lately that are on private property. I 
wonder how many of these were actually placed with permissions obtained by 
the cache owner? Even though a cache isn't placed inside a property fence 
line that has signs that say 'private property', doesnt mean the land in 
which the cache was placed isn't private property. A parking lot of any 
store/mall/shopping center is private property. Most any of these locations 
there are signs placed that say "private property, no loitering, etc, etc, 
etc". These signs usually read in a sense that if you arent there to browse 
or shop in the store(s), then you are loitering or tresspassing, etc. I have 
also seen caches in neighborhood parks lately that have signs that say 
private property and are for the use of the homeowners in that area only. I 
always worry about the consequences I may face when I am urban caching these 
days as many caches I have done in the city are placed in questionable areas 
and I can't be sure that the owner had permission and the landowner(s) are 
aware a cache is there. Obviously, if I am being questioned by security, I 
can only assume the landowner is not aware that a cache was placed on the 
property. If permission was obtained, I beleive a cache owner should state 
this in the cache description. This way, I can show the printout (or PDA 
copy) of the cache page to a security guard, landowner, police officer, 
homeowners association, etc to prove my being there is ok and I am not 
tresspassing because permission was given.

Again, one of the primary rules of placing a cache is getting permission 
first. This is what will keep our hobby in a positive light to 'outsiders' 
not familiar with geocaching. In the past year, I have nearly had my truck 
towed, been approached by police and even a police detective, and approached 
by security on many occasions and questioned about what I was doing while 
urban caching. It really gets old after awhile. I have no problem showing 
them the actual cache container if that will clear my good name (however 
good or bad it may be! :)). I shouldn't have to feel like a criminal when I 
am just trying to enjoy a hobby. (fortunately, there are lots and lots of 
fun wilderness type caches around the state that keep geocaching fun for 
me). Obviously, I enjoy geocaching the way it began, as a hobby to get me 
out into the great outdoors (as in the wilderness, forest, desert, etc). 
It's not that I don't mind being able to do some geocaching so close to home 
in an urban setting, it can be fun. But, I would really like to be able to 
know I am doing so legally.

Team Ropingthewind
Scott

_________________________________________________________________
Add MSN 8 Internet Software to your current Internet access and enjoy 
patented spam control and more.  Get two months FREE!     
http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/byoa