Watch CBS News

Squatters Camp Out, Smoke Pot On Roof Of Manteca Goodwill

MANTECA (CBS) – A homeless hangout was found on the roof of a Goodwill store in Manteca, complete with a TV hook up and cookware.

"It's worth repeating, people were discovered living on top of the roof," said Haille Mills, a Goodwill shopper.

Everyone knows the Goodwill is the place to go for a bargain clothes, games, housewares and prices so low you might say they're a steal, but staying on the roof really is a crime.

Manteca police and firefighters discovered the camp, which has since been cleared away by Goodwill.

"They found tents, mattresses, TVs, bags of clothes — all kinds of things," said a store employee.

The TV and a hotplate were reportedly found plugged in with makeshift wiring.

The whole setup might have gone unnoticed, except for a smell that had made its way through the vents and into the store.

"It was very strong, and it was all over the floor," said the employee.

It was marijuana smoke.

"Very laughable, it's crazy," said Mills.

The smoke and footsteps heard up above were the clues Goodwill employees needed before they called the police.

"We obviously have a camping ordinance in Manteca that prohibits such activity," said Sgt. Mike Aguilar of the Manteca Police Department.

It turns out that whoever was camping on the roof was also stealing from the Goodwill donation drop-off box.

"People are donating to try to help other people, and then the squatters on top of the roof are stealing from everybody," said Mills.

So far, police haven't identified the suspects.

The store has hired security guards in hopes of preventing another rooftop residence.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.