SOUTH Yorkshire Police has vowed to crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Barnsley and has named the ‘hotspots’ for off-road bikers in the town.
Neighbourhood officers joined the force’s motorcycle and rural crime team (MARCT) last week to carry out a joint operation targeting antisocial off-road bike users.
The force has vowed to crackdown on those riding antisocially and have named four areas of the town they are keen to work on.
Officers worked in tandem with MARCT to patrol around Athersley, Worsbrough, Kendray and Grimethorpe.
In total 73 miles were covered by officers from the MARCT team throughout the day, with officers looking out for off-road bikes being used in illegal and antisocial behaviour activity.
Several vehicles were stopped by neighbourhood officers and two stop and searches were competed.
The operation also gave officers a chance to engage with member of the local community - sharing reporting methods and an opportunity to listen to any other concerns residents had.
NPT officers also delivered cease and desist letters to suspected off-road bike riders, built from intelligence given by members of the local community.
Sergeant Paul Aston, of Barnsley South East’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We know the real negative impact dangerous and inconsiderate off-road bike riders have on our local communities.
“It remains a priority for us here in Barnsley.
“No one should be made to feel unsafe in the areas they live in and operations like this is part of our ongoing work to continue to tackle the issues and concerns raised to us.
“We are aware of certain hotspot areas in Barnsley and you can help us tackle this problem by providing intelligence and information about where these bikers are most prolific.
“Providing descriptions of the people riding these bikes and information about where these bikes are kept helps us track down offenders and bring them to justice.”
And bosses say that with the help of the public, they’ll be able to catch those responsible quickly.
A spokesperson added: “This is an example of the work that is carried out across the force to combat nuisance bikes and quads.
“To help us tackle the antisocial and illegal use of off-road bikes, we encourage you to share information on where the vehicles are coming from and being kept.
“Who do you see riding off your estate or around your area illegally?
“We will treat your reports anonymously but will use the information to build a better intelligence picture allowing us to take action.
“If you wish report incidents of antisocial behaviour, please contact us using our live chat function, online portal or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, you can give information completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via their website - www.crimestoppers-uk.org - or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.”
