OPP are reminding people not to trespass into farmers fields.
Police say they’ve noticed an increase in agricultural trespassing, leading to one instance being shared on social media over the long weekend where groups of people were stopping on the side of Highway 10 in Melancthon and walking into a Canola field to take photos.
Bayshore News has also heard of a recent similar incident near Shallow Lake.
A release from the OPP says although Canola is beautiful at this time of year, it’s still a crop and a large part of plant-based diets and a source of income for our farmers.
Officers estimate the potential damage to that crop was around $2,000.
They note fields with crops are not required to have fences or signage to deter people from entering– but it is still trespassing and could result in a mischief charge.
Police say you should report instances of this as soon as it’s noticed, instead of waiting.
#DufferinOPP was made aware of two instances of trespassing in @MelancthonTwp this wknd.
It is NOT a right to enter a field to get a perfect photo.
Crop damage approx = $
Phone calls to police =
Please call 1 888 310-1122 right away if you see this. ^jr pic.twitter.com/7t6k5L9v9p— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) July 4, 2022
