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What to do if... you encounter a motor vehicle in the forest.

NUnauthorized use of motor vehicles in forests is a criminal offense in Slovakia; it involves the violation of several laws. Drivers endanger those around them and pedestrians. Motor vehicles also facilitate poaching and timber theft.

Help eliminate this undesirable activity from our forests.

HOW TO DO IT?

In the field – photography
Filing a criminal complaint
Interaction with the police

Photography
Take a photo of the motor vehicle and the rider.

Tips and tricks:

  1. Take the most detailed photo(s) possible of the motor vehicle (try to capture the type of machine, the license plate number, and the driver's face).
  2. Remember that a vehicle can often be traced even without a license plate.
  3. If the driver objects to being photographed, remember that you are permitted to record illegal activity and use that footage in a criminal complaint.
  4. File a criminal complaint even if you are not entirely sure whether the driver had authorization or not; let the police investigate that.
  5. Prioritize your own safety. Do not expose yourself to unnecessary risks, such as being struck by a vehicle.
  6. If you were unable to take a photo or video, write down all the details of the encounter (appearance of the vehicle and rider, time, location, etc.) and file a criminal complaint anyway.

Criminal complaint
Submit a report to the police—a criminal complaint. You can find a template here.

Tips and tricks:

  1. Send the criminal complaint by registered mail. Keep the postal receipt.
  2. Here you will find a template for a formal complaint. It should include: the date and time of the encounter with the motor vehicle; a description of the situation (where the vehicle was likely coming from and heading to, whether it stopped, etc.); the most precise description possible of the offender and the vehicle; the exact location of the incident (ideally with GPS coordinates); and photographic documentation along with a map marking the spot where the vehicle was encountered. Do not forget to include your contact details.
  3. If you know which local police precinct covers the area where you encountered the motor vehicle, send the complaint directly to that precinct's address. If you do not know, send it to the relevant regional police directorate.
  4. Send a copy of the complaint for information purposes to the Police Corps Presidium in Bratislava.
  5. Keep a copy for yourself as well.

Police
Within a few weeks of submitting the complaint, you will receive notification that proceedings have been initiated, and the police will summon you to give a statement as a witness. This is a routine procedure for the case file.
In the meantime, the police will conduct an investigation and search for the offender. If the police locate the offender, the matter is classified either as a minor offense (in which case it is advisable to file an appeal within 3 days) or as a criminal offense. In either case, it is useful to contact VLK Čergov at 0911 779 030.