Fines, felony charges, seizure of vehicles and damages will result from driving any motorized vehicle (ATV’s, motorcycles, and vehicles) off-road on City parks or public property. Diving motorized vehicles on private property is also illegal trespassing without the express permission of the property owner and property owners are encouraged to file complaints in court and seek damages.
Illegal vehicles also pose a threat of injury or death to walkers, runners and bicycle riders.
Due to recent heavy damage by vandals driving off road on wet city parks and both public and private property, the City has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy and will take action to collect on damages, file vandalism or trespassing charges as appropriate, and, if a felony will file to seize the vehicle doing the damage. The City is working with the Shelby County Sheriff in strictly enforcing laws against motorized vehicles trespassing on City parks, trails and public or private property.
The City also encourages private property owners to file charges when possible to discourage the trespassing and vandalism.
Residents are asked to report all trespassing to the City of Lakeland (867-2717) and the Shelby County Sheriff at 379-7625. While the Sheriff may not always be able to respond while the damage is in progress, reporting these will document the time and place of the incident.
Recent incidents of substantial vandalism by illegal trespassing by motorized vehicles have occurred in the Cool Springs area and IH Park area.
Residents are encouraged to report all incidents so the City and Shelby County Sheriff can develop patterns to apprehend persons who trespass and vandalize property.
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