Police are cracking down on the menace of off-road bikers in the Bishop Auckland area, after residents raised concerns that the problem was worsening.
The operation was launched following a rise in the number of complaints about nuisance and anti-social behaviour caused by young riders on motorcycles and quad bikes, mostly in the Park Head wooded area near Coundon.
Riders are not only disturbing the peace but are also putting themselves at risk and posing a potential danger to members of the public.
Since the beginning of 2013, police have seized six bikes, five police warnings have been issued, leaflets have been posted into off-road vehicle hot spots and patrols made by the neighbourhood policing team and police off-road bike section. Anyone caught using an off-road vehicle will risk getting their bike seized and possibly crushed.
Police community support officer, Chris Elms, said, “This is an on-going problem in the area that often escalates after the Christmas period, and we are taking the issue very seriously. Not only are these riders behaving in an anti-social manner by making a lot of noise but they are also putting local people who walk in these areas in danger.
“By responding to community information about where and when the bikes are being used, and through the increased police patrols, we hope to send a clear message out to the individuals concerned that we are taking strong action to stop them in their tracks. We are also working closely with Durham County Council to make access to the wooded area more difficult for off-road vehicles. The land is owned by Durham County Council and no person has the right to be riding on this land.
“Police are not just using enforcement methods but also trying to educate people on off-road vehicle safety. However, if we catch them using these vehicles in an anti-social manner we will seize their bikes and they may end up being crushed.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
