As the Progress reported last month, the Scottsdale Police Department made nine arrests in two weeks after two shooting incidents at short-term rentals.

In a press release last week, the city says it is going after “bad actors” on the STR scene.

The subject line of the city’s email:

“Scottsdale cracks down on nuisance parties and illegal activity at short-term rentals.”

According to Holly Peralta, a city spokeswoman, Scottsdale issued 56 charges and citations related to short-term rental activity in May, including violations tied to nuisance parties, criminal investigations and licensing compliance.

“We will not allow a small number of bad actors to jeopardize the safety and character of our neighborhoods,” said City Manager Greg Caton. 

“Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, and we are committed to using every tool available to address nuisance activity, unlawful events and criminal behavior associated with short-term rentals.”

Some who responded to a Progress Facebook post were unconvinced.

“Oh please,” Kristie Faye commented. “The city tries so hard to give the illusion of caring, but until they start shutting down the bachelor & bachelorette parties & actually enforce occupancy ordinances, the neighbors are still left to suffer. 

“Every weekend is a new group of loud obnoxious (expletive).”

Karen Rambat added: 

“I wonder how much money the city makes off of STRs.”

The press release underscored the May 6 shooting “stemming from a party at a short-term rental in the Maya complex” in Old Town.

This incident resulted in multiple arrests – as well as a suspect being shot by police. 

“The property owner was cited for operating without a required city license,” according to Peralta, “while the renter was cited for hosting and promoting a nuisance party and operating an event venue.”

Officers also responded to multiple large parties involving underage alcohol consumption, she noted, investigated assaults and domestic disturbances “and handled several alcohol-related medical emergencies, including incidents requiring hospitalization.” 

And two large “promoter-sponsored events advertised through social media” were identified and stopped before they could occur after coordination between police and property owners. 

“Our officers are taking a proactive approach because we know the impact these incidents can have on surrounding neighborhoods,” said Police Chief Joe LeDuc. “When short-term rentals become venues for criminal activity, large disruptive parties or unsafe behavior, we will take enforcement action. Our goal is simple: protect residents, preserve neighborhood quality of life and hold violators accountable.”

Michele Wehry’s response to that on Facebook:

“About time.”

Peralta noted “the increased enforcement activity follows years of work by Scottsdale’s multidisciplinary Short-Term Rental Working Group …

“Recent efforts have included expanded officer training focused on nuisance-party investigations, improved coordination among departments and accelerated identification of unlicensed operators. The city has also increased its focus on repeat offenders and property owners who fail to comply with licensing requirements.” 

The press release concludes:

“While Scottsdale continues to support responsible short-term rental operations, city leaders say the message is clear: properties that become magnets for nuisance activity, illegal events or criminal behavior can expect swift enforcement and significant consequences.”

His Facebook comment suggested Dave Fox was not sold on the city’s approach to STR’s:

“‘Cracking down’ … yah right.”