Police seized a number of illegal bikes during a proactive operation cracking down on nuisance off-road biking in county hot-spot areas.
The Nottinghamshire Police off-road motorbike team, supported by the Hucknall neighbourhood team, undertook targeted patrols in areas including Mansfield, Clipstone, Warsop and Mansfield Woodhouse in direct response to complaints received about the illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes.
Among the hot-spots they honed in on during Sunday’s activity included Harlow Woods, Annesley Woods, Annesley Cutting and Felley Priory in north Nottinghamshire.
Two bikes were seized for no insurance and a Section 59 warning notice was also issued to one unlucky person before leaving the area.
Hucknall neighbourhood policing sergeant Colin Morley, one of the force’s off-road bikers, said: “Our riders were met with a great response and thanks from members of the local community including from horse riders and dog walkers.
“They were really happy to see us tackling this menace and to see the action we are continuing to take against those inconsiderate riders whose illegal and anti-social behaviour is causing misery in our communities, showing little or no regard for the laws of the road, the damage they cause or the threat they pose to members of the public.
“I hope the ongoing positive action we’re taking to tackle the illegal and anti-social use of these vehicles reassures our local residents that we are listening to their concerns and taking them seriously.
“We have more dates planned for the future to tackle this type of activity and we will be continuing our efforts to crack down on this anti-social behaviour. Any riders considering visiting these locations and other hot-spot areas should expect to be stopped by the police who will take robust action.
“We need more members of the public to help us reduce nuisance off-road biking by reporting incidents to us. We encourage anyone with information about the use of illegal bikes to continue to report these matters to us by calling us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
As well as seizing bikes and prosecuting riders to tackle the issue, the force is also encouraging off-road bikers to explore areas in which they can legally enjoy their bikes.
The force has compiled a list of more than 20 legal off-road biking venues – all within easy reach of Nottingham.
• Police release this list of LEGAL off-road biking venues to tackle anti-social riding
In total there are more than 20 legal locations within 75 miles of Nottingham – facilities that cater for a range of abilities.
