The old Diamond Shamrock -- across from the Marshall Gates to Ft. Bliss -- in the corner of Fred Wilson Avenue and Marshall Road, has been serving as an alternative parking lot for civilian employees to Ft. Bliss and others for years. The gas station went out of business in 2002.

Early Monday morning the almost empty lot had a single vehicle parked illegally. However, a week ago it was a different scene.

"This place was packed [with cars]. This place was full of cars. People leave trash everywhere and bottles," said Cesar Huerta, a driver for Extreme Towing.

The area is now off limits. Several tow-away signs have been put in place to warn people that they will be towed. Parking in private property is illegal whether the property is being used or not. The owner's responsibility is to maintain and secure the property, as well as keeping trespassers out.

Extreme Towing claims the signs were put in place last Monday, and they didn't act against violators until Thursday. However, one nearby business claims the signs popped up Thursday, not Monday. The business also states, Extreme Towing didn't even have them up 24 hours before towing vehicles away.

During the two hours we were at the location one vehicle was towed. It will cost the owner $115 to get it back.

"A lot of people, they say they didn't see the signs," said Huerta.

Valero Corporation is the owner of the abandoned property, and states that that particular lot is in the process of being sub-leased.