OPP following crop damage

The Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is noticing an increase in agricultural trespassing in Dufferin County, culminating in a serious instance being shared on social media.

On the Canada long weekend there were two occurrences of people stopping on the side of Highway 10 in Melancthon Township and entering a Canola field to take photos. While Canola is beautiful at this time of year, it is a crop. It is a large part of plant-based diets and a source of income for our farmers. The potential damage to this crop is valued at $2000 if only one acre is damaged. It will increase if there was a larger area affected.

Fields containing crops are not required to have fences or signage to deter people from entering, as stated in the Trespass to Property Act. Therefore, entering a field, whether it is on foot or with an off-road vehicle, is trespassing. If a person damages crops, then a criminal charge of Mischief could be considered by a responding police officer. Dufferin OPP asks that if you see this happening, please call 1-888- 310-1122. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-822- 8477 to remain anonymous.