WARREN, Mich. -- Complaints about street basketball games have resulted in the city of Warren cracking down on the placement of nets.

"We have an increasing amount of kids, particularly now that the weather is warm, that are choosing to play basketball in the evening that is blocking traffic," Fouts said. "There is always a danger that youngster is going to get hit, or hurt."

Fouts said the complaints also mentioned that the games were noisy and often played late at night.

In areas that receive complaints, Fouts said police will ask owners to remove their nets. Fouts said the city will remove the net if the owner is uncooperative.

Fouts said the process has actually been on city books since 2006.

"If a resident calls and complains, the police will come out," Fouts said. "If that is the case, they will confiscate the basketball or net ..."

The process does not apply to nets that are in residents' driveways or attached to houses, only ones that are taken out onto city streets.

To recover a ball or net will cost at least $100, and there may be community service involved.

Fouts said he enjoys basketball and recreational activities, but that those types on activities on the street can cause serious injury.

"There's a lot of father and son combinations that come out here and shoot baskets for exercise, to have fun or bonding time," said Warren resident Dan Lambrix.

Lambrix's son said he doesn't see what's so wrong with playing outside.

"We're not doing anything wrong," Kyle Lambrix said. "We can't play basketball in parks because they're not kept up."

Warren residents can report street basketball playing to the police department at 586-574-4700.