Drug Users Near Geo-cache!

[+Lemon Fresh Dog]

Well.... this is frustrating -- someone found syringes near one of my grocaches. I've asked the next finder to pull the cache if they get to it prior to the weekend, but wanted to post this topic here for comment. I'm going to retire it from the site.

 

What would you do? Is it likely that the area was used once and that's it?

 

I really don't want someone stepping on a needle while searching for one of my caches!

[MMACH 5]

That does suck. It's a shame, but I would probably archive the cache, if it were mine.

 

Bummer.

[Bobthearch]

Judging by the picture posted at the cache page, it seems more regular than a one-time thing. If it were me, I'd move the cache to another location, perhaps away from the city.

 

At least it's a city park, not behind your neighbor's hedge...

 

Best Luck,

-Bob

[Azaruk]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in USA, the more I am grateful for living where I do.

 

The only major problem here is access due the large distances involved, a small price to pay, and the fact that during the summer rains, the bush grows at an alarming rate making it a major expedition to get to where the caches are.

 

We have drug problems here, I don't think there's a country that doesn't, and we have the porn afficionados, again, I don't think there's a country that doesn't, but our caches remain intact, the area surrounding them remain unsullied.

 

This could, of course, be because, per capita, we don't have that many cachers, or caches, for that matter, but the situation is steadily improving. (There are more caches in a single large park in USA than in the entire province in which I live!)

 

We are fortunate indeed to have vast areas of bush to go and play in. Places where other people are seldom seen.

 

Placing a couple of caches the other weekend, I was completely alone. Only animals in the area. It was paradise!

 

I also would archive your cache. Can you imagine a family out caching, and one of the children standing on a needle - carrying who knows what in communicable diseases?

 

I shudder at the thought.

Edited November 15, 2004 by Azaruk

[Bobthearch]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in USA, the more I am grateful for living where I do.

That cache is in Canada. But my neighbor's hedge is in the USA...

 

-Bob

[Azaruk]

Apologies for messing up with the country!!!

 

Note to self: NEVER Assume, because it makes ...... you know the rest!

[+briansnat]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in Canada, the more I am grateful for living where I do.

[+Mopar]

Well.... this is frustrating -- someone found syringes near one of my grocaches. I've asked the next finder to pull the cache if they get to it prior to the weekend, but wanted to post this topic here for comment. I'm going to retire it from the site.

 

What would you do? Is it likely that the area was used once and that's it?

 

I really don't want someone stepping on a needle while searching for one of my caches!

Well, around here, the first thing you would do is flame the person who found the needles for ruining your geocache.

[+Lemon Fresh Dog]

The link above was interesting -- thank you.

 

I did indeed archive the cache -- about 20 minutes after being informed of the problem. I now have to go and move it this weekend (or if someone is in the area, I've given them the green light to do so)

 

What is somewhat shocking is how this area is not what we would normally consider "drug" land. It goes to show that you never, ever, know.

 

The person that found the cache last did toss the syringes, but who knows how many are still hiden nearby in the somewhat secluded area.

 

I think a good geocache policy would be that any sign of danger in the area of a geocache (drugs, gangs, predators) is a good sign to move and archive the cahce. IMHO

 

I guess I'll call the police to see if they care. I'm sure they are probably aware of most everything that goes on in each area, but this area may be of interest.

[+Lemon Fresh Dog]

Quick update -- called the police and they took the info on the location. I also learnt that the Fire Department is in charge of removing syringes. (in Calgary, at least)

[+Criminal]

It the same thing for perverts in the park as it is for the drug users. The more of us “normal” people that are in the park, walking around, taking up space, the less inviting it will be for them. Keep the cache there, tell the police about the problem.

[MMACH 5]

It the same thing for perverts in the park as it is for the drug users. The more of us “normal” people that are in the park, walking around, taking up space, the less inviting it will be for them. Keep the cache there, tell the police about the problem.

Interesting take on this.

 

I guess I would just be too chicken to leave a cache in a potentially dangerous area. If I knew there was a history with the area, I would feel pretty guilty in the event of someone surprising some drug users. Things can go south rather quickly.

[+Lemon Fresh Dog]

Hmmm... I never thought about that aspect.

 

I think what I will do is move the cache into a slightly more public area of the same park (it's a lovely park and one that supports many families -- three playgrounds, picnic area, BBQ pits, river, etc, etc).

 

I like the idea of still drawing traffic to the area (no pun intended), but simply cannot use my cache to draw people to an area that is unsafe. I consider the area as dangerius as a cliff, railway, or other area that caches should not be placed).

 

Very good comment though -- made me think.

 

Now I have to figure how I can move a cache a greater distance and maintain the name and logbook.

[+SamLowrey]

Maybe they were just diabetic cachers? Or cachers using steroids to enhance their find stats.

[+Monkeybrad]

We found sharps at one of the caches in Atlanta this weekend. Since we had two people with us who are trained to deal with this sort of thing, we trashed them out. Spooky though, they were in a shrub at the cache site.

[+nicolo]

I'm one of the many people who have found "Maddy and Daddy Cache 1" and, when you look at the area, I guess that it's inevitable that this'll happen.

 

I don't know what it was like when you placed it this summer but I can see signs of people hanging out.

 

Why don't you move it up on the hill near ( but not too near!) Ed's Cache. Or even take it across Sarcee and give "The Punisher" some company.

[+RakeInTheCache]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in Uzbekistan, the more I am grateful for living where I do.

[+Divine]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in the world, the more I am interested in caching everywhere. (Finds only in seven countries so far.)

[+Gorak]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in Canada, the more I am grateful for living where I do.

The more I read about caches being blown up and cachers being arrested in the US, the more I am grateful that I live in Canada.

[+Team Coleman]

I'm an EMT, although not currently working in the field, and in Arizona, you can go to any hospital emergency room and they will give you a small sharps container if you explain the situation. These are the same small containers that most diabetics use (which can also be purchased rather inexpensively at most drug stores, ie Walgreens, Osco...just ask the pharmacist for a small diabetic sharps container). And they will also give you a pair or two of latex gloves if you ask nicely. Use common sense when hadling the sharps, don't pick it up by the needle end. Carefully place the needles in the sharps container and seal it up (the lid screws back down). Then you can drop them back off at any hospital ER and they will dispose of them for you.

 

Edit: But if you don't want to touch them, and I wouldn't blame you if you didn't, then you can most certainly call the police or fire dept. non-emergency number and they should make sure it gets taken care of.

Edited November 16, 2004 by Team Coleman

[Azaruk]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in the world, the more I am interested in caching everywhere.

 

Sometimes, I should seriously think the line through BEFORE posting it.

 

Some really funny 'alterations' of my original line - but that one has to be the best.

 

Ok .... going to keep quiet now .......................

[+New England n00b]

The more I read about all the problems inherent in caching in Canada, the more I am grateful for living where I do.

The more I read about caches being blown up and cachers being arrested in the US, the more I am grateful that I live in Canada.

As are we, Gorak, as are we.

Edited November 16, 2004 by New England n00b

[+clearpath]

It the same thing for perverts in the park as it is for the drug users.  The more of us “normal” people that are in the park, walking around, taking up space, the less inviting it will be for them.  Keep the cache there, tell the police about the problem.

I agree with Crim ... leave the cache in the same area, just move it away from the needles. On the bright side ... you don't have to worry about the drug users muggling your cache, they would be too stupid to find it ...

[nobby.nobbs]

just make sure that you mention it in the notes section so that people are aware to be carefull. don't want anyone pulling their arm out from under a bush with a needle sticking out of it. with god knows what infections etc it holds.

 

keep it in the park though and retake the area for the normal people. why should we give up public space for these idiots.

[MMACH 5]

The more I hear about problems with MY caches, the more grateful I am that I don't have to hunt them.

[ThePup]

Well, around here, the first thing you would do is flame the person who found the needles for ruining your geocache.

Erm... Quite frankly, the three needles shown in the pic on that thread, I'd have no trouble, nor hesitation, in picking them up and finding a way to dispose of them. They were scattered, and it's only the small pointy end you hafta worry about. Pick them up by the tail, find something sturdy to pop them in until you get to a public toilet / hospital with a sharps disposal.

 

In answer to the original question, if it looks like a regular druggy hangout, then moving the cache probably isn't a bad idea, though frankly, I'd be more worried about encountering druggies than needles.

[+Lemon Fresh Dog]

The cache is moved! I went to the area today and pulled the cache from under the rock cave where it was hiding. It was a shame to be reminded of how peaceful and serene this area is. It's too bad that I can't bring more people into the area to see it. At least the drug users have found a pleasent place to shoot up.

 

The new coordinates are: Lat:51.03.4634 Lon:114.09.6127 I've posted a reviewers note (I hope this is the correct proceedure to re-enable a cache at new coordinates). I've also created a "First to Find" page for the new co-ords in the logbook, but didn't have any gift certificates for coffee handy (sorry)

 

Thank you to everyone for all your feedback on what to do etc. I wish this was the last time I encountered such a problem, but always must be vigilent. It reminds all of use to be careful no matter where we may be.

[Eaglehaslanded]

I work for the Virginia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. I would relocate the Cache. Your drug user(s) is using the area because they can conceal themselves while shooting up. It must be a good spot to hide! I guest that's why you hide the cache in that area!

I was in Huntsville Alb. hunting a cache and saw a drug deal go down in a parking lot where I was getting coors off a light pole, and found a paint can, zip-lock bags and baby whipes. These items are signs of huffing. I guest some kids from the school across the street. I just looked like trash! You did the right thing by calling the PD

[+XRN95]

I was surprsied to read this thread. Having found this cache (FTF too, lol) I would'nt have geussed it being a drug spot. It was definately used , for sure by mountain bikers and walkers. It is somewhat secluded but I could name ohh a million other places in the city to shootup. I have seen syringes laying on the ground in the downtown part of the city despite sharps containers being available in public areas. I geuss no area is safe from this problem.

As for picking them up...Its a personal decision. I work in healthcare and am very aware of the potential risk. If you pick them up no matter how careful you are you risk potential exposure, this is fact. If I had a container to put them in and gloves I would probably try to get rid of them. A soda can could be used in an "emergency" but have to be careful it doesnt puncture the side of the can...it can happen. If you dont want to take the risk...notify the an agency that will do it. Lemon Fresh did ( but I believe they were trashed out at this point). Sorry to hear you had to move the cache!!

 

Ohh and BTW Canada is a fine place to cache!!

[+Cool Librarian]

Great info about buying small sharps containers.

 

I am so careful when investigating urban caches, not sticking my hands where I can't see, moving stuff around with my boot, etc, but the only time I have found a hypo was in a serene wooded park, fairly off the beaten path - or so I would have thought.

 

I didn't want to pick the thing up without gloves, but I didn't want to leave it behind, either. I was very nice of the user to put the cap back on the needle, though, so I pulled out a ziploc and used a stick to push the needle into the bag. I then brought the bag to the ranger's office where I encountered strange looks and thought for a moment that they might call the cops on me. Oh, well, didn't even get a "thanks" for my trouble, but felt like I had done the right thing. I also posted the incident in my log, just so people were aware of the activity in the area.

[+briansnat]

The cache is moved! I went to the area today and pulled the cache from under the rock cave where it was hiding. It was a shame to be reminded of how peaceful and serene this area is. It's too bad that I can't bring more people into the area to see it. At least the drug users have found a pleasent place to shoot up.

 

The new coordinates are: Lat:51.03.4634 Lon:114.09.6127 I've posted a reviewers note (I hope this is the correct proceedure to re-enable a cache at new coordinates). I've also created a "First to Find" page for the new co-ords in the logbook, but didn't have any gift certificates for coffee handy (sorry)

 

Thank you to everyone for all your feedback on what to do etc. I wish this was the last time I encountered such a problem, but always must be vigilent. It reminds all of use to be careful no matter where we may be.

If the move was less than .1 mile (a little over 500 feet) then you can change the coordinates yourself. If it was over that distance perhaps you should consider archiving your old cache and creating a new page because it's going to be a different hunt.

 

Either way, a note to approver on the page won't be noticed unless the approver is watching your cache. So either e-mail him directly, or just create a new cache.