Bobbies get on their bikes to tackle off-road riders

The initiative follows growing complaints from residents in the Easington division over the anti-social behaviour of teenagers using motorbikes.

Police chiefs yesterday admitted that in terms of the number of complaints recorded off-road riding is undoubtedly one of the biggest headaches they have to deal with.

As a result a unit is being launched today in a bid to tackle the growing problem.

Three officers, all with motorbiking backgrounds have been given the task of curbing the activities of those riding on fields and across private land without permission.

The officers initially do not plan to pursue any youngsters they come across but instead will work on a "softly softly'' basis seeking instead to educate and encourage the teenage bikers to take their machines to properly designated areas.

Police have, however, made it clear that at the same time any motorbikes found which are thought to be stolen or unsafe will be seized.

The biking bobbies are all local beat officers, who will carry out their off-road work around their other duties.

They will patrol areas identified as hotspots for off-road biking and respond whenever they can to reports of problems in other locations.

The three are PCs Kevin Garside, Iain Turner and Mike Fisher who is a former trials bike champion.

Acting Chief Inspector Darren Ellis said yesterday: "Off-road bikers cause problems not just in terms of things like noise pollution, but also because of the potential damage to the environment and local wildlife.

"Typically those involved are between 12 and 16 and the problem does seem to be on the increase. The officers selected for this work will have the right backgrounds and are best placed to deal with the problem. But they will not be involved in any pursuits, their job is to tackle the issue through education and prevention.

"There are alternative sites the young bikers can use and we will encourage them to use these more suitable venues."