A long running effort to combat the nuisance created by off road bikes who find it impossible to ride their bikes in accordance with the law.
Officers from the Merthyr Neighbourhood Policing Team, and Northern Community Safety Department, launched an operation on Sunday and Monday (15th & 16th November) to tackle anti social behaviour related to the use of off-road bikes in the area, following concerns and complaints which have been raised by the local community.
The team worked in partnership with the RCT off road bike team to disrupt the use of off-road bikes, and illegal driving, around the areas of Gelli Deg,Swansea Road, Taff trail and the Gurnos estate.
The initiative included high visibility patrols where officers addressed concerns from residents about general driving standards as well as particular offences committed including no insurance and riding bikes anywhere other than a road.
Police Sergeant Lindsey Sweeney, who led the operation, explains: "This type of anti social behaviour is not only illegal, but also dangerous and can cause significant disruption and distress to other members of the public.
"The owners and riders of road bikes may not realise that many of the laws and regulations which apply to normal road vehicles also apply to them. The matter of not having the landowners permission, not having a driving licence, motor insurance and a test certificate are ones which we frequently encounter.
"We are pleased that so many members of the community came forward and told us about the issue, and offered further information about those responsible, and we are hoping for positive feedback from the residents of the areas affected.
PS Sweeney continued: "This operation is a long running effort to combat the nuisance created by off road bikes who find it impossible to ride their bikes in accordance with the law. Officers were able to take full advantage of Section 59 which gives us the ability to stop anti social motorists and warn them about their behaviour as well as issuing fines.
"One of the issues that we do have is not being able to pursue after every single nuisance motorcyclist but by the community providing information such as names, addresses or where the bike may have been previously, we can build up a picture of the offenders and take appropriate action.
"Nuisance riders continues to be a big problem for the whole community of Merthyr and we will continue to work both behind the scenes and overtly in our community to disrupt this dangerous practice and make the area a safer place for residents."
