Police in Hamilton warn of crackdown on off-road vehicle users who trespass

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Published August 9, 2022 at 3:06 pm

Complaints and calls about all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike riders who are trespassing are rising in Hamilton, and the local police will be stepping up their patrols.

Hamilton Police (HPS), in a release today (Aug. 9), said its ATV unit will be patrolling several identified areas of concern across the city. It said calls for service in regard to off-road vehicle users, who are either illegally on a City of Hamilton roadway or on private property without permission, have increased.

The identified areas of concern are: Hamilton Mountain, Ancaster, Flamborough, Binbrook, Glanbrook, Mount Hope, Dundas and Waterdown.

“The goal is to ensure public safety, safety of those riding ORVs, and to enforce the law where applicable,” the HPS release states.

Operating an off-road vehicle on a city-maintained roadway is barred by City of Hamilton bylaws. Most biking and walking trails also have signage that spells out that unauthorized motorized vehicles are also prohibited.

There are exemptions for farmers, public works employees, and land owners travelling between portions of their own property.

Asking a land owner ahead of time is the best policy, the police add.

“Please ask permission prior to riding your ORV on someone else’s property and always be respectful of property owners and other riders.”

More information is available by contacting the HPS Dvision 3 crime manager’s office (905-546-2447) or by picking up an ORV pamphlet at the Mountain Station (400 Rymal Rd. E.).

Reports regarding improper ATV use can be made to the Division 3 crime managers (see number in previous parapgraph), or by calling City of Hamilton bylaw (905-546-2782; [email protected]).

An anonymous report may also be made through Crime Stoppers of Hamilton (1-800-522-8477).

(Photo provided by Hamilton Police.)

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