Google Earth 'dippers'

Post by **faceless** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:38 pm

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The Google Earth gatecrashers who take uninvited dips in swimming pools
By Luke Salkeld
18th June 2008[/align]

Would-be revellers are using satellite images on the internet to find houses with swimming pools - and then turning up uninvited for an impromptu dip. The craze involves using the Google Earth programme, which provides high-quality aerial photos of Britain and other countries. Once a target is chosen, the organisers use social networking sites such as Facebook and Bebo to arrange to meet, say police.

Officers said that residents have woken up to find youngsters 'dipping' in their back gardens, or have come home from work to a swimming pool full of beer cans. One group has already boasted on the internet that it held an event earlier this week. Sixteen people are said to have gatecrashed two pools near Bournemouth.

The rules of 'dipping' often include wearing fancy dress and participants are urged to 'bring a bike' to escape if discovered. There are fears that the craze could spread across the UK as the weather improves and pool owners leave their homes unattended while on holiday.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said yesterday: 'We are advising owners of swimming pools to be on their guard. We would also warn prospective swimmers that using someone else's pool is trespassing and therefore illegal.'

The group responsible for organising Monday's 'dipping' session listed a specific meeting place, a midnight to 3am duration and mobile telephone numbers for the organisers. Although there were only 16 confirmed participants at the 'event', invitations were sent to more than 500 users on Facebook.

Comments left by admirers of the group suggested that the craze could be spreading. One message reads: 'You crazy lot and your crazy antiks (sic). Don't think I can make it but maybe I can do it on my own in London.'

Social networking sites such as MySpace have previously caused trouble for families after private parties advertised online have been gatecrashed by hordes of unruly teenagers. A £4million mansion in Marbella last month became the latest home to be invaded by uninvited guests, when they gatecrashed a girl's 16th birthday party.

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haha, excellent - I'd be right up for that. I especially like the 'bring a bike to escape' bit...

Twirley · Post by **Twirley** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:19 pm

Gosh, they'd have a field day here, especially as a lot of people don't even have fences around their property.

pirtybirdy · Post by **pirtybirdy** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:55 pm

I can't wait to see what happens if it's all the rage in Texas...LOL!

nekokate · Post by **nekokate** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 5:27 pm

If I had a swimming pool I'd have it filled with acid, hehe. Take that, you trespassing scallywags!

SpursFan1902 · Post by **SpursFan1902** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:32 pm

It's not the first time I have thought "Glad I don't own a pool"...unscheduled frivolity...we just can't have that!! ;)

Post by **Skylace** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:35 pm

Having owned a pool I wouldn't find this amusing at all. Not to mention that if they are injured at the pool, even with trespassing, they can sue. Thank goodness I had big dogs in the back yard.

SpursFan1902 · Post by **SpursFan1902** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:42 pm

Skylace wrote:Having owned a pool I wouldn't find this amusing at all. Not to mention that if they are injured at the pool, even with trespassing, they can sue. Thank goodness I had big dogs in the back yard.

I agree with you Sky and I didn't mean to sound flippant. I think I was more tickled at their use of Google Earth and how they got to the pools rather than the consequences of actually getting wet.

Post by **faceless** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:49 pm

How could they sue you?

Post by **Skylace** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:52 pm

faceless wrote:How could they sue you?

The same way that if a robber breaks into your house and the dog bites them, it's not posted. You didn't do your best to keep them out, etc. It can happen and does happen. The accident happened on your property. And even if they don't win, you have to deal with lawyers and the lot.

I also think it's a rotten thing to do because that's my pool. Pools are a lot of work and expensive to upkeep and if someone just comes in and decides to have a party it can cause damage and extra work. I am sure these "pool crashers" wouldn't be finding it as amusing if someone came into their house and just had a party. Or just borrowed their car.

It's irresponsible and inappropriate behavior and I hope they get caught when they do it.

EDIT: Not to mention, how do these party goers know that dangerous chemicals just haven't been put in? I would treat my pool with muriatic acid when necessary. You would need to stay out for a full 24 hours unless you wanted some serious damage done to your skin. You wouldn't see it in the water, or smell it. They would be in for a nasty shock.

Post by **faceless** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:17 pm

If I was 16 I'd take the risk and go for it

SpursFan1902 · Post by **SpursFan1902** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:18 pm

SpursFan1902 wrote:
Skylace wrote:Having owned a pool I wouldn't find this amusing at all. Not to mention that if they are injured at the pool, even with trespassing, they can sue. Thank goodness I had big dogs in the back yard.
I agree with you Sky and I didn't mean to sound flippant. I think I was more tickled at their use of Google Earth and how they got to the pools rather than the consequences of actually getting wet.

I just read this again and again it sounded flippant...sorry. I think I will just shut up now....

Bat · Post by **Bat** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:21 pm

I fell in a swimming pool once - fully clothed, drunk and the pool had a cover over it. Christ knows how I got out of it. I still shudder each time I think about it

Post by **Skylace** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:02 pm

Bat wrote:I fell in a swimming pool once - fully clothed, drunk and the pool had a cover over it. Christ knows how I got out of it. I still shudder each time I think about it

That is scary Bat. Those pool covers will pull you down. We always watched the kids and even the dogs. I am glad you got out.

Post by **Skylace** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:02 pm

SpursFan1902 wrote:
SpursFan1902 wrote:
Skylace wrote:Having owned a pool I wouldn't find this amusing at all. Not to mention that if they are injured at the pool, even with trespassing, they can sue. Thank goodness I had big dogs in the back yard.
I agree with you Sky and I didn't mean to sound flippant. I think I was more tickled at their use of Google Earth and how they got to the pools rather than the consequences of actually getting wet.
I just read this again and again it sounded flippant...sorry. I think I will just shut up now....

You don't sound flippant at all!

Post by **Skylace** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:04 pm

faceless wrote:If I was 16 I'd take the risk and go for it

That's great. Sixteen year olds will do a lot of stuff and I hope that they get the consequences coming to them so they learn to be responsible as results. Just like the dumbass 16 year old that climbed on our roof and feel off and almost broke his neck. When went to call the cops I believe his parents words were "Boys will be boys". But thankfully they did call because there was damage to the roof and without the police report they may not have had the damage covered by their home owners insurance as for the copay guess which boy had to pay?