Officers in Three Rivers are once again issuing a warning around illegal off-road vehicle use across Chorleywood and Rickmansworth.
During the warmer months, police tend to receive an increase in reports of off-road bikes being ridden on public land, or on private farmland without permission.
PC Christian Gottmann, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This behaviour causes damage to crops, leading to unnecessary financial losses for hardworking farmers.
“It also causes noise nuisance and puts members of the public at risk of being seriously, or even fatally injured, as well as the riders themselves.
“Unless you have permission to be on private farmland, riding there is trespassing. We are currently unaware of any landowners in Three Rivers who have given permission for these vehicles to be ridden on them.”
If you are caught riding illegally or anti-socially, police can issue a written ‘section 59’ warning under the Police Reform Act 2002.
If you are caught again within the next 12 months, police have powers to seize your vehicle.
If offenders do not subsequently reclaim them and pay storage or recovery fees, their vehicles can be crushed.
Riders can also be reported for traffic offences.
PC Gottman continued: “Patrols are being carried out and signage has been installed reminding people of the law. Anyone caught riding illegally or anti-socially will be dealt with robustly.
“We’re also asking for the public’s help to identify those who are riding in this manner.
“If you see anyone, or have any information about who might be responsible, please contact police straight away. Please try and get a good description of the rider and the colour of the helmet, if they are wearing one, and make a note of any registration numbers.”
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