Police have issued a warning after two teenagers caused damage to crops on private farmland, with one put before the courts.
They were found trespassing on private farmland at Ollerton Road, Retford, on 14 December 2025.
After gaining access, they drove around on mopeds and destroyed thousands of pounds’ worth of crops.
Damning evidence found on the social media site TikTok captured one of the teenagers driving a moped across the land.
A thorough investigation followed, with two suspects identified and then interviewed.
When questioned, the two offenders admitted their part in the damage, as well as driving the mopeds without a driving licence or insurance.
A 17-year-old boy then appeared in Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 20 April.
He pleaded guilty to criminal damage to property, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.
He has been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation, has had six points added to his driving record, and has been referred to a youth offender panel.
A referral to a youth offender panel means a young person (10–17) who pleaded guilty to a criminal offence is sentenced to a mandatory contract to take action to make amends.
A 16-year-old boy was handed a community resolution order, which bans him from entering private farmland as well as driving a vehicle.
If he breaches his conditions, he will face severe action.
PC Hollie Marsh, who led the investigation, said:
“This incident has caused stress and inconvenience to a local farmer’s livelihood, and it’s important that the offenders involved understand the seriousness of their actions.
“All rural crime traffic offences will be dealt with seriously, particularly those that are being committed by offenders without a driving licence.
“Damaging crops can cost our farmers a significant amount of money, and our rural communities can often feel isolated, so this work demonstrates how we are listening and responding to their concerns.
“As a reminder, if you do not have permission to enter farmland, you are committing an offence. All roadworthy vehicles must be insured and taxed.
“If you have any issues or queries, we urge you to get in contact; we will act.”
