Residents in several Michigan City neighborhoods have raised concerns about large unauthorized gatherings on private property, prompting a response from the Michigan City Police Department.

Homeowners have reported groups of more than 50 people trespassing on their lawns, blocking driveways, playing loud music late into the night, and even using their yards as makeshift restrooms. In some cases, residents said they feared for their safety and felt powerless to intervene.

In response, police are highlighting a recent change to Indiana’s trespassing law-Indiana Code 35-43-2-2-which now allows police to act on behalf of property owners without requiring the owner to be present. Under the updated statute, property owners can file a consent form with MCPD authorizing officers to remove trespassers from their property and take further enforcement action if necessary.

Consent forms are available at the front desk of the Michigan City Police Department or directly from officers in the field. Property owners may revoke their consent at any time.