A local pool store is raising safety concerns after a group of people used their private outdoor pool showroom in the middle of the night. Angelo Mariani Jr., part-owner of Pools by Angelo, says four people were caught on the store’s video surveillance. He says the individuals jumped the fence around 4:30 a.m. Thursday and can be seen on the video jumping into and swimming in the pool. One person also attempted to access doors to the pool house and shop. The group remained on the property for about 30 minutes. Mariani Jr. says the group appeared to be consuming alcohol and left behind alcohol cans and vapes. The company stated on their social media that this wasn’t “just kids being kids”. The statement says they decided to cut a lot of the surveillance video out of their social media post, but says there was very dangerous and concerning behaviour occurring, and thankfully no one was hurt. He says staff noticed something was off during morning maintenance when they found litter around the showroom pool. “We took a closer look at our videos in the early morning hours and we saw that there was a group of kids swimming in the pool and using the pool. So we’re just a little concerned that they are out this late and a little bit more on the liability and danger side that climbing the fence, exiting, it’s more of a display pool and not necessarily for people to go in and play at.” Mariani Jr., part-owner of Pools by Angelo, says this isn’t the first time this has happened. “There’s been some more visits like this in the past. I can say that this visit in particular had quite a few more people than past visits before. So again, we were just a little concerned of their safety exiting and coming into the property.” He says at the end of the day it comes down to safety, and the fact that the group was trespassing. “I know we were all young once. Everyone can enjoy the pool on a summer night, but just thinking of these kids’ whereabouts at the hour. I’m a father now too, and just safety in the community and making sure everyone’s taken care of, and that’s all the message we’re trying to get across.” Mariani says Windsor police have been notified. He is asking parents or guardians who may recognize those involved to have a conversation with them about the dangers of entering private property. Pools by Angelo, located on Jefferson Boulevard, says its display pool is secured for customers to view and asks the community to respect the property and stay safe. AM800 News has reached out to police for comment.
