28 February 2008
A one-day off-road biking operation took place yesterday (Sunday 24th February) to target riders who were riding illegally in the Caerphilly area.
In total, seven Section 59s were issued to riders who were riding illegally. These are written warnings telling people what they are doing is illegal. Anyone who receives two of these notices within 12 months can have their vehicle seized.
Police Officers were joined by Caerphilly County Borough Council's Community Safety Wardens and Rangers, as well as representatives from the Forestry Commission.
Neighbourhood Officer for Penyrheol, PC Andy Elias, said: "This weekend's operation provided us with an opportunity to target individuals who were riding illegally across the countryside with our partners. By working together we are able to enforce the law against these individuals, as well as continuing to educate them about the legalities of riding and where they can and can't ride.
"Not only is it illegal for them to ride across land without the permission of the land owner, but they are often posing a serious risk to themselves, walkers as well as local wildlife. We will continue to run organised operations to further combat this problem and I would ask the public to continue to alert us to any illegal off-road biking that is taking place in the area."
Caerphilly County Borough Councils cabinet member for the environment, Cllr David Poole said, "It is vital that we work together with partnership organisations to stop this form of anti-social behaviour from ruining the environment that we live in. The council's Countryside Rangers and Community Safety Wardens have been working tirelessly with the Police on operations of this kind and will continue to do so in the future."
To report incidents of illegal off-road biking, please contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111.
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