In response to an increase in complaints received from area residents, the Dunbarton Police Department reminds the public that there are town ordinances that govern the use of recreation and conservation areas in the community.

In the last several weeks, the department has received complaints regarding illegal dumping, curfew violations, improper parking, consumption of alcohol and suspicious vehicles in several areas of town. These areas include secluded wooded areas and town-owned lands.

Officers will continue their increased visibility in these areas and are making efforts to educate visitors to the area about the fact that activities on town-owned lands are governed by town ordinances. The town has an ordinance that prohibits the possession of alcohol, limits parking to designated areas and prohibits trespassing on town-owned property such as the Gorham Pond and Kuncanowet Town Forest areas between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Officers hope that increased awareness and visibility coupled with education and fair enforcement will effectively address the concerns of area residents. The full text of the Dunbarton town ordinances can be viewed by visiting dunbartonnh.org.