Four individuals from Barrie have been charged with trespassing after Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) allege they drove a small vehicle onto private agricultural land in Dufferin County to get an "up-close" photo of large windmills in the area.
According to police, the alleged incident took place on the Easter long weekend in Melancthon Township.
"While taking photos from a distance is perfectly fine, these individuals drove onto private agricultural land in an attempt to get a closer shot. Not only did they get the photo they wanted, but they also received charges for trespassing," police stated in a news release. "Trespassing on private property whether for photography, off-roading, or other purposes is against the law. The OPP would like to remind everyone that fields and private land are not required to have fences or signage to deter people from entering. Unauthorized access is still considered trespassing, and criminal charges such as mischief may apply if damage occurs."
