The mayor of Paterson says that the city is cracking down on illegal dumping after three abandoned boats were found.

Mayor Andre Sayegh tells News 12 New Jersey that the first boat was dumped last week on Keen Street. He says two other boats were towed on Monday – they were found on Bergen Street.

Sayegh says that he knows who is responsible.

“We know who it is, yes, because there is a VIN that leads back to the owner, so we have identified who owns these boats and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” the mayor says.

Paterson police caught 12 illegal dumpers back in November. Each was hit with a $2,500 fine. Those fines can now go up to $10,000.