Vehicles seized in off-road operation

My team recently joined police and partners for an operation to tackle off-road biking.

Operation Harley targeted off-road hotspots in Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly, including The British mountain and common land around Blaenavon.

It was a successful operation and Gwent Police seized:

• 3 vans
• 2 cars
• 1 bike
• 1 quad

Officers also made two arrests and issued one section 59 warning.

It was a clear warning to off-roaders, some of whom had travelled from England to ride in our area, that they are not welcome here.

I would like to thank the police, council, local councillors, the Commoners Association and partners from Natural Resources Wales for their support during this operation.

Off road biking is a very hard crime to police. Our countryside areas are vast and the police’s powers to take any kind of preventative measures are limited.

It causes damage to the landscape, harms wildlife and livestock, and threatens the livelihood of our farmers. The use of untaxed, uninsured, vehicles which are often ridden dangerously on the roads also puts pedestrians and road users at risk.

However, despite the challenges, this operation demonstrates that Gwent Police continue to work hard to tackle this problem.

To take effective action the police need people to report these issues. If you suspect someone is using an off-road bike illegally you can report information anonymously via 101, or Gwent Police’s Facebook and Twitter page. You can also report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always call 999.