Further seizures in police off-road biking crackdown

Bikes were seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act for breaching warning signs.

Officers from Rochdale North and East Neighbourhood Teams, accompanied by three Special Constables, community volunteers, and United Utilities, launched the first ‘Operation Dragster’ to tackle illegal off-road biking on Sunday 12 January.

The operation targeted the moorland areas of Rochdale, from Owd Betts and Syke moors, to the junction with Oldham District at junction 22 of the M62.

The crackdown followed reports from a member of the public who spotted three vans unloading eight off-road bikes near Windy Hill, close to the telecoms mast on the Saddleworth border. Officers were able to detain three bikers as they returned to their vehicles.

These bikes were seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act for breaching warning signs. The riders were also issued Community Protection Warnings, prohibiting them from engaging in similar activities in the area.

However, five other bikers avoided returning to the vans to escape consequences. Their efforts were in vain as the two remaining vans were parked inconsiderately, blocking access to the telecoms mast and a nearby farm. Both vehicles were seized for causing unnecessary obstructions.

The riders and vehicle owners now face fines and recovery fees. Authorities hope this action sends a clear message: off-road biking on Rochdale’s moorlands and borders will not be tolerated. Sgt Walsh of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Team said, “We will always take the strongest possible action in circumstances like this. We will be doing regular operations throughout the year.”

Sgt Walsh also addressed the broader impact of illegal off-road biking, stating, “Some people argue that these activities are just recreational fun; however, as mentioned many times previously, it causes danger and distress to legitimate users of the land and also animals, as well as causing a lot of damage to the land.”

The crackdown was welcomed by a local farmer whose land had been damaged by off-road bikers in recent weeks. “It was good that we could support them with this enforcement action today,” said Sgt Walsh.