Report ‘nuisance motorbike riders’ cops urge

Officers from Rotherham Central local policing team are preparing for a summer operation to clamp down on off-road bikers in targeted areas including Canklow Woods, Kimberworth, Thorpe Hesley and Scholes.

Sgt Paul Reddick, from South Yorkshire Police, (pictured) said: “We know what a blight nuisance motorbike riders can be on people’s lives which is why we are taking action against it.

“The last thing we want is for members of the public to suffer in silence because they don’t think that we can do anything about it.

“The fact is there are a number of laws relating to a variety of offences that we can use ranging from not wearing helmets and road safety offences to riding a bike without a valid licence or MOT.

“If you see anyone committing an offence, get in touch via 101 or send us a photo as this will help us to look at enforcement.”

Sgt Reddick said police were expecting a rise in the number of off-road bikers during the summer months and added: “At this stage we are intelligence gathering which is why the public’s role is vital.”

Examples of criminal offences relating to off-road motorcycles (which includes quads bikes) are:

• If damage is caused to land or surrounding property, the rider faces prosecution for criminal damage.

• It is an offence to ride an off-road vehicle in a manner that causes danger to pedestrians and/or other road users.

• Police can seize bikes that are being driven in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance. The owner must pay for storage and recovery of the vehicle.

To report off-road bikers contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.