Police in Nottinghamshire have been working alongside the force’s Off Road Bike Team to tackle problems linked to illegal off-road motorbikes in the area.
Officers from the Retford Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out joint activity last Sunday as part of a wider problem-solving plan aimed at preventing offences linked to off-road bikes.
Police say the vehicles have been associated with a range of issues including criminal damage, public order incidents and various traffic offences.
Farmers in the area have reported significant damage to their land caused by riders driving across fields, leading to costly repairs and disruption to farming activity.
Local parks and woodland areas have also become part of the routes used by some riders, which officers say has deterred pedestrians and dog walkers from using their usual paths. Police added that the activity can also damage wildlife habitats and have a negative impact on the local environment.
PC Hollie Marsh, Nottinghamshire Police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer, said the force has a duty to protect communities, including both road users and pedestrians.
She said illegal vehicles entering private land and causing damage would not be tolerated and warned that anyone found doing so could be investigated and have their vehicle seized.
PC Marsh added that officers regularly work with the force’s specialist off-road bike team to tackle rural crime linked to the vehicles.
In recent months more than 25 Community Protection Warnings and Section 59 warnings have been issued to riders witnessed causing damage or driving in an anti-social manner.
Police said the local council is also involved in addressing the issue and that the force is working with Forestry England.
Officers are urging residents to report any incidents involving illegal off-road bikes to Nottinghamshire Police.
Police also reminded motorbike owners that vehicles must be road legal if used on the highway, including displaying a registration plate, having working lights and ensuring riders wear helmets. They added that motor vehicles are not permitted on public footpaths or bridleways and that entering farmland without permission is trespassing.
