Business and commercial property owners now have some help to address ongoing trespassing and loitering.
Chatham-Kent (CK) police have launched the Trespass Authority Agent Program, an initiative that allows CK police to act as an "agent" for registered business and commercial property owners and enforce the Trespass to Property Act.
Under current legislation, police cannot automatically act as an “agent” unless private property owners register in the program and give police formal authority to take action against trespassers on behalf of the property owner, without requiring the owner to be present at the time of an incident.
"Property registration is important because under Ontario’s Trespass to Property Act, police cannot automatically act as an “agent” for every private property owner unless authority has been formally granted. A registration process creates a clear, documented relationship between the property owner and the police service, ensuring officers are acting lawfully and consistently when enforcing trespass issues," said police.
Registered properties will have Trespass to Property Act Agent signs displayed to identify that police have pre-authorized authority to assist with trespass enforcement and hopefully discourage the activity.
"The program is designed to support property owners in maintaining a safe and secure environment. The Trespass Authority Agent Program applies to properties specifically enrolled in the program," police noted.
Click here to register your business or commercial property.
