No trespassing signs allows police more power to act

Photo: DVA

Downtown Vernon businesses have had an issue with intrusions for years, and now they are doing something about it.

Businesses with ground-level access will be receiving "No Trespassing" signs to install on their entrances.

This may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but these signs can have a big impact on police patrols.

"When a business puts this sign by their entrance, this gives police legal permission to enter the private property and deal with the situation," says Downtown Vernon Association Executive Director Susan Lehman.

If a business doesn't have the sign all police could do would be to tell the perpetrator to move along, then follow up with the business afterwards if they had permission.

But with the sign, police have the authority to issue tickets to those trespassing after business hours.