Yard sign: Dope heads not welcome here, they live next door though

A Colorado Springs man has taken a unique approach to combat alleged drug problems in his neighborhood.

Shan Moore has posted a sign in his yard that reads: “Dope heads not welcome here. They are next door though.”

Moore said he is trying to send his next door neighbors a message.

“I should not have to live like this. A revolving door, cops here all the time. People breaking windows out because they are in a drug induced rage. What’s next? Crime scene tape because someone got shot? And my grandson playing in the front yard and catching a stray bullet? I’m just trying to defeat all that,” said Moore.

Moore said he has tried talking this neighbors. He even tried to take them to drug counseling groups. He said his efforts and words have fallen on deaf ears. He decided make his concerns public.

“I know exactly where he is at and it’s either prison or death, that’s what’s scary because I have mad love for my neighbors,” said Moore.

His harsh words come from the heart. Moore was a former drug user who eventually served time in prison.

“I don’t want to see my neighbors go to prison or end up dead, like I have seen many of my friends end up dead,” said Moore.

Moore said he asked permission from other homeowners on his street before he put up the sign. He said his neighbors supported him. His daughter, Bryana Moore, is proud of her dad’s efforts.

“If it’s allowed, why not if that’s going to get them to stop,” said Bryana Moore.

Bryan Prestwood lives in the home next door to Moore. Prestwood rents a room from the homeowner. He said the living situation is “frustrating” and “stressful” because the homeowner, his ex-wife and their friends use the home to get high.

“I found paraphernalia laying around and it ain’t hard to see people staggering around with one eye open. They are high on something,” said Prestwood.

Prestwood said he has tried to leave several times, but he is not in a financial position to move out of the home. He appreciates Moore’s efforts to help his landlord get clean.

“I was really impressed that he took the time and the compassion to try to resolve the situation and it worked a little bit,” said Prestwood.

He said the sign has helped a little bit.

“It’s been a lot quieter since then but there has still been people come over here, no where near the magnitude,” said Prestwood.

Moore said he the sign won’t leave unless the drugs leave too.

KRDO NewsChannel 13 called the owner’s ex-wife but she did not respond. Colorado Springs police records indicate police have responded to several drug and narcotics calls to the address. A CSPD spokesperson said none of those calls have led to any arrests.