Northumberland OPP have issued a warning after a recent incident of illegal dumping.
The message is simple: If you’re thinking about illegal dumping, don’t – it will cost you.
OPP have warned if you’re caught dumping garbage illegally, “you will be charged.”
The warning was issued after earlier Thursday, July 25, at about 8:20 a.m., OPP said they responded to a complaint about garbage that was illegally dumped adjacent to a trail around Bowmanton Road in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Police are now reminding people that anyone caught illegally dumping may be charged with one or more of the following: Engage in prohibited activity under the Trespass to Property Act; littering highway prohibited under the Highway Traffic Act; deposit waste without environmental approval under the Environmental Protection Act, and illegal dumping under municipal bylaws.
“Clean-up efforts can be costly for taxpayers, and this is not a victimless crime,” added OPP. “It is one that impacts the environment and quality of life in a community.”
Police are asking anyone with information about this investigation to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit www.opp.ca/reporting.
Alternatively, to remain anonymous, people can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit www.stopcrimehere.ca.
Police are also asking citizens to contact OPP immediately when they observe suspicious vehicles dumping unknown materials and garbage.
Where possible, police ask residents to note a vehicle description, licence plate number, occupant description and direction of travel.
When reporting illegal dumping after the fact, OPP asks people to contact the township or municipality where the dumping occurred.
For more information on local waste management facilities, visit the Northumberland County website.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
