DETROIT (WXYZ) — Jessica Ramirez was concerned when notices posted on doors in her neighborhood informed people that no trespassing signs, along with addresses, would be installed on fences and garages, and that anyone who wanted to be included would have to pay $25.
The signs indicate they are from "Wayne County Neighborhood Watch" and the notices say the signs are designed to deter "unwanted individuals from entering your home or property."
7 Action News caught up to the two men behind the signs and they said they are not affiliated with any neighborhood watch group, watch service or block club.
Shannon and Jason Anderson are brothers and claim the signs are machine made and designed to last twenty years, but the letters and numbers appear to be stickers.
Ramirez said she's worried that some of her neighbors, particularly elderly residents, will buy the signs thinking they are getting some added service or protection.
But there is no block club or neighborhood association called "Wayne County Neighborhood Watch." The men said they own a sign company with that name.
"We are registered with the city and that's the name we chose to pick out," said Shannon Anderson who told 7 Action News that many years ago Detroit Police told them to remove a reference to the police and fire departments. Since then, the brothers said they no longer reference Detroit Police on their signs and they denied ever telling anyone recently that they are connected with law enforcement.
"The sheriff's office has absolutely nothing to do with this," said Mike Jaafar, Chief of Operations for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.
A spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department said they are also unaware of the signs.
"These are two and three dollar signs and you are charging $25," said Ramirez.
One woman who purchased a sign said she wanted something "official."
"People want these," said Shannon Anderson as he stapled one of the signs to a house in Southwest Detroit. "We could put up a lot more but we don't have the time. We're busy."
