Naugatuck Police are on the lookout for people illegally operating ATVs.
There has been an uptick of residents reporting people riding all-terrain vehicles in places they are banned in recent weeks, Lt. Bryan Cammarata said.
"Like a lot of other communities, because we have extensive woods and trails, we also have issues with ATVs," Cammarata said.
ATVs are only allowed on property where the owner gives permission in Naugatuck.
"They're never allowed on a public road and outside of regular trails," Cammarata said. "There’s nowhere where ATVs are specifically allowed in town."
Police are sharing with NBC Connecticut and on social media photos of two ATVs caught on camera where they should not have gone.
A town worker spotted a man going for a ride Tuesday on the fields off of Country Hollow Road.
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"When he confronted him, he purposely did donuts on the field doing considerable damage there and the employee was able to snap off some pictures that we had posted also trying to identify that individual," Cammarata said.
Police also want the public’s help to identify the man seen in photos operating an ATV with a young boy in front of him at Naugatuck’s new dog park on Saturday.
"Particularly, when it comes to an adult riding with a small child riding in front of him, neither one of them with a helmet on, that’s concerning," Cammarata said.
It is the department’s policy to not chase after ATV riders.
"We encourage people that if they can get pictures and good descriptions that’s what really helps us," Cammarata said.
The ATV operator who damaged the field could be charged with criminal mischief. The adult caught riding with the young child could be arrested for risk of injury to a minor.
If you recognize either of the ATV riders, you can call Naugatuck PD at 203-729-5221 or the NPD Confidential Tip Line at 203-720-1010.
