Joint Operation to Tackle Off Road Bikes & Rural Crime in Cleveland and North Yorkshire

officers from Cleveland and North Yorkshire Police, the Environment Agency and the North York Moors National Park Authority conducted an operation to tackle off road bikes and rural crime.

The operation took place on Sunday 19th July in areas bordering Cleveland and North Yorkshire, including Guisborough Woods, Hutton Village and East Cleveland.

As a result of the day of action, the rider of a motorbike was reported for licence offences, another rider of a motorbike was issued with a section 59 notice as the bike was reportedly associated with anti-social behaviour, motorists were stopped for speeding and warnings were given to people regarding fishing offences by the Environment Agency.

Cleveland Police Special Chief Inspector James Ruddock said: “I would like to thank all the officers and partner agencies for participating in this operation. The feedback we had from members of the public was extremely positive as off road bikes cause a lot of misery to people living in rural communities and this is an operation we plan to continue with.”

North Yorkshire Police Inspector, Matt Hagen, said: “While many people in North Yorkshire ride off-road bikes safely and responsibly, their misuse can be dangerous - and illegal. This joint operation was a great opportunity to work closely with our partners for a day of targeted action which we hope sends a clear message that misuse of off-road bikes and rural crime will not be tolerated.”