Residents of an apartment complex in Dong Anh district, Hanoi, are outraged after discovering a stone bench chained together with a large concrete block placed in the middle of a free parking space to “reserve” it for a private vehicle.

The unusual sight shows the bench and block secured with thick steel wire, occupying an entire car spot in the communal parking lot. The area is meant for free use by all residents on a first-come, first-served basis, but one individual has allegedly claimed the space as their own by installing the obstruction.

Nguyen N., a resident of the P2 building, criticized the act as highly inappropriate: “Regardless of whether the parking is free or paid, such behavior is unacceptable. A parking spot belongs to whoever has their car there, not to someone who leaves a block in the way. The management board should act decisively to maintain the civilized image of the complex.”

Another resident, Mr. T., complained about the inconvenience: “I came home late and had no spot to park. A few days ago it was just a cement block, now they’ve brought in a bench and locked it there. It’s absurd.”

Mr. D., also living in the complex, echoed the frustration: “I don’t understand how such a big bench and concrete block can just sit in the middle of the yard. Every time I want to park, I have to drag them away  -  it’s too much trouble.”

The management board confirmed they received the residents’ complaints and inspected the site. The incident appears to have occurred in the past few days, but the security camera in that area is blocked, making it impossible to immediately identify the culprit. They are now working with residents to track down the responsible party and will remove the obstruction to restore the shared parking space.

Y Nhuy