Police op targets nuisance off-road vehicles users

Nine police notices and nine noise abatement notices have been served at Cadeby Quarry by police officers.

The special operation has been run by the police, Doncaster Council and other key partners in response to a rise in reports of antisocial behaviour.

Part of the operation has involved raising awareness of the issue, the impact it has on the environment and the dangers to those engaged in this activity.

Last Sunday, the notices were issued at Cadeby Quarry, as well as six police notices and six noise abatement notices being served at Mill Hill Road, Hatfield in Doncaster.

As part of the operation photographs will be published in a bid to identify the people involved and raise awareness of the dangers.

Insp Lynne Lancaster said: “Antisocial behaviour caused by the use of off-road nuisance and quad bikes is extremely dangerous to not only the community but the riders themselves.

“To reduce this risk and keep all of our residents safe, we are working in partnership with the council to develop an operation to directly target offenders engaging in this behaviour and reduce offences committed in connection with this.

“The successful results achieved from the notices served aims to prevent these motorcycles or riders being active again and under the Police Reform Act, if either the rider or vehicle are seen in the same circumstances we can seize the vehicle under the terms of the Act.

“The work completed over the weekend fits into the wider action taken to address the issues raised by the local community.”

Head of service for community safety at Doncaster Council, Bill Hotchkiss, said: “The operation demonstrates the commitment of the police and Doncaster Council to tackle the problem of vehicle related antisocial behaviour, linked to the use of off-road motorcycles and quad bikes.

“Not only is it illegal to use them on public roads without the correct licence and insurance, but they also need landowners’ permission to use them on private land.

“Using police enforcement powers we can potentially seize vehicles and where deliberate damage is caused to footpaths and bridleways or farmers’ crops and boundaries, the police will pursue a prosecution for causing criminal damage.

“We would also alert the public to the dangers of riders and in some cases young children using these vehicles in dangerous situations. This includes hazardous terrain such as quarries or on public roads as pillion passengers”

Anyone with concerns about antisocial behaviour caused by the use of off-road bikes should speak to their local PCSO or report it to the police on 101 or via [email protected].