An increase in complaints against unlawful use of off-road vehicles is spurring Grundy County law enforcement officials to increase patrols and their efforts to educate the public.

Sgt. Tanya Paquette said the Grundy County Sheriff's Department has seen in recent months an uptick in incidents involving off-road vehicles, from reckless driving and criminal damage to property to accidents that have resulted in injuries.

Through the department's Facebook page, the department has sought to increase awareness about the penalties of misusing them. She said one area of particular concern has been the use of All-Terrain Vehicles on roadways, particularly in the Goose Lake area. The bottom line, and the law, she says, is that ATVs are not to be driven on the road.