Police seize 17 off-road bikes

A clampdown on the illegal use of off-road bikes in north Rochdale has resulted in 17 vehicles being seized.

A combination of motorbikes, quad bikes and 4x4 vehicles were confiscated under Operation Dragster, which ran over the three weekends of the Easter period. It was launched following complaints by walkers and horse riders about off-road vehicles causing damage to land on Rooley Moor, Knowl Hill, Scout Moor and Ding Quarry, and distress to wildlife, walkers, horseriders, cyclists and farmers.

During this time officers from the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team issued summons to 10 people and gave out 10 fixed penalty notices and 40 warnings to people found causing alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public at the moorland.
Inspector Lin Houldershaw of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This is a great result, as local communities have been plagued by the illegal use of off-road bikes. These vehicles cause a great amount of annoyance, mainly because of the noise, and are often extremely dangerous for both the rider and pedestrians.

“I hope these seizures and arrests act as a warning to people who flout the laws relating to off-road bikes. We know through feedback we have received from residents and users of the moorland that the number of vehicles sighted on the moors significantly dropped following the first weekend of the operation. This is great news and is the incentive we need to continue to run this operation with our partners throughout the summer months.”

Operation Dragster involved the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, GMP’s off-road bike and air support units, Rochdale Community Safety Team, Rochdale Borough Housing, Lancashire Police, Lancashire County Council countryside wardens and United Utilities.

Paul Shoreman, Lancashire County Council countryside warden, said: “Our countryside service receives regular complaints about misuse of vehicles in the countryside. These partnership operations are achieving real results. They send a resounding message that illegal and damaging activities on the moors will not be tolerated. These natural areas need to be protected for everyone to enjoy peacefully and safely.

Glynn Haworth, United Utilities countryside ranger, said: “Off-road bikes and 4X4 vehicles have been a real problem on our estates in Rochdale, so we were delighted to assist the police in this timely crackdown.

“Illegal use of off-road vehicles can damage sensitive peat moorland, affect the quality of water entering local reservoirs, and spoil enjoyment of these picturesque areas for thousands of visitors.

“This operation sends out a strong message that this type of reckless behaviour will not be tolerated. The success of the operation is great news for local communities.”

Mark Reynolds, community safety officer, Rochdale Borough Council said: “The council continue to pursue a no-tolerance attitude to off-road biking on any public land in the borough. We work closely with the police in enforcing this dangerous and problematic activity and want to make our message clear, stay off our land in off-road vehicles.”