Residents in two North Carolina communities, Edge of Auburn in Garner and Trace at Olde Towne in Raleigh, are voicing concerns over unauthorized individuals allegedly taking over their community pools and other amenities. Homeowners report that these groups, sometimes numbering between 20 and 50 teenagers, are gathering without permission, leading to disturbances and a feeling of unease among residents who pay significant homeowner association (HOA) dues.
Video footage has emerged showing confrontations between residents and non-residents near the pool areas. One clip captured by a Ring doorbell camera depicted a group of approximately 20 individuals arriving for an unauthorized gathering. Residents describe these incidents as occurring on a seemingly weekly basis, creating tension within the communities.
Law enforcement has been called to both communities repeatedly over the past year and a half. Garner police responded to six fights, 35 security checks, 31 suspicious activity calls, and 16 disturbances at Edge of Auburn between January 1, 2025, and June 15 of this year. According to reports, officers sometimes faced limitations in taking action without a formal agreement or an HOA representative present, as the properties are private.
Trace at Olde Towne has also experienced a significant number of calls. Raleigh police responded to 28 trespassing calls, 30 disturbances, 17 suspicious activity calls, and 17 suspicious person reports in that neighborhood. Residents at Trace at Olde Towne described a method where individuals may knock on doors, prompting residents to open them and prop them, allowing others to enter.
Residents have expressed deep concern for their safety and the erosion of their home as a place of peace. "It's not a good feeling when you are actually scared for your life in the place that you call home," one resident told WRAL.
Calls for improved security measures include requests for taller fences, increased surveillance cameras, and a more thorough review of how community entry fobs are utilized. Lennar, the builder of Edge of Auburn, stated that it has engaged private security and is collaborating with Garner police to address trespassers. A Lennar spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to keeping amenities safe and accessible.
However, some residents feel that the HOAs have not taken sufficient action. One homeowner described the HOA as "almost non–existent" beyond collecting dues. Representatives from the Trace at Olde Towne HOA declined to provide specific details regarding their internal communications with members but stated they would continue to do so.
