Police launch new operation to tackle off-road biking in Hucknall and surrounding area

Police are cracking down on illegal and antisocial off-road biking in Hucknall and other towns in the district of Ashfield.

The Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing team has now launched 'Operation Annachinda' which will use innovative methods to identify offenders and take enforcement action.

It will use a more investigative and intelligence-driven approach to help identify offending riders, disrupt illegal activity, and seize offending vehicles.

Techniques used will include the mapping of offending vehicles and riders. This will help build a more detailed intelligence picture relating to reported incidents and riders committing offences.

The operation is in addition to the work already being carried out by Nottinghamshire Police's off-road motorbike team as the Force tries to rid the community of these bikes which have been the source of much misery for its residents.

Just last month, the team, supported by the Hucknall neighbourhood team, also targeted patrols across the Mansfield area after receiving complaints about illegal use of the vehicles. Two bikes were seized after the riders were found to be riding without insurance and a further warning notice was issued.

Inspector Mark Dickson, District Commander, said: "The illegal riding of vehicles is an ongoing issue across the force, and one the residents of Ashfield raise with me regularly.

"Local people are sick of these bikes being ridden illegally and causing a danger to people as well as causing criminal damage, including in private areas.

"This new approach, through Operation Annachinda, will allow us to be more systematic and targeted in our approach and allow us to use a range of legal and civil powers, including injunctions, to disrupt this activity and make spaces safer for all.

"I hope it reassures the public of our relentless commitment to tacking this distressing issue and that we are listening to their concerns and taking them seriously.

"We will continue to take robust action against those inconsiderate riders whose illegal and anti-social behaviour is causing misery in our communities, showing little or no regard for the law, the damage they cause, or the threat they pose to members of the public.

"To help us with our ongoing work and our new operation we are asking the public to send in photographs and videos of any illegal off-road riders they see but we'd urge them not to approach, challenge or confront them themselves.

"We are also interested in any information people can provide us with in relation to people they know are using these vehicles illegally or storing them for the use of others. All information will be treated in confidence."

Anyone who witnesses any off-road vehicles in the area is encouraged to report these at the time by calling Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.