Tackling antisocial bike riding in local beauty spot

The Safer Neighbourhood Team in Lightwater is urging the public to report anyone they see riding mini motors and motorbikes illegally around the country park and other local heath land.

Local Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Lightwater PC Ali Worger said: “This is an on-going antisocial behaviour issue and it is something we will not tolerate. Anyone who sees mini motor bikes in the Country Park or on the heath land should contact us with locations and times and descriptions of those involved. We are working hard to solve the issue and have stepped up patrols in the affected areas as well as putting measures in place to gather intelligence. In addition we have been working closely with other partner agencies such as the Surrey Wildlife Trust, the Heathland Conservation Society as well as neighbouring police forces.”

Police are concerned because inexperience and the inappropriate use of these machines can put riders and other members of the public, especially walkers and horse riders, at risk of serious or even fatal injuries. The motor bike riders are also contributing to the degradation of the lowland heath which is a site of special scientific interest attracting many rare species of birds and used by farmers to graze their highland cattle.

PC Worger continued: “Parents need to understand that mini motors can only be used on private land and only if the rider has the express permission of the land owner. Buying one of these machines without having somewhere to use it is irresponsible – please don’t do it. You risk criminalising your children and they could lose their licence before they are even old enough to possess it.

“We will take a very robust approach to anyone we catch failing to comply with the law and they will be given a warning which means if they are caught again they could face a fine, points on their licence or even a court appearance. If we see anyone riding them dangerously or irresponsibly we will not hesitate to use powers which give us the ability to confiscate their vehicles.

“I would encourage any parent whose child owns one of these mini-motorbikes to make sure that they are aware of the law so that we can prevent the possibility of a serious injury or any further police action in the future.”

PCSO Mike Mann has spoken to several youths who have been spotted riding their bikes in an antisocial manner. Their details have been taken and a warning has been sufficient to stop their activity.

On his patrols Mike has seen children as young as 5-years-old riding mini motors supervised by their parents. Groups of teenagers are the main culprits but there have been occasions where older riders have been using off road scrambler bikes thinking it is acceptable to use the heathland to practice on.

Just recently, while out on patrol, Mike Mann came across a mini motor bike hidden in some bushes behind the cemetery in Lightwater. So far no one has contacted the neighbourhood team to report it stolen so they would be interested to find the owner. If you recognise the bike please call either PC Worger or PCSO Mike Mann.”

Shown here in the photograph is PCSO Mike Mann with local officer PC Anna Whiteside who assisted Mike in recovering the bike.

For more information call Helen Williamson, Press and Publicity Officer for North West Surrey based at Woking on 01483 630262

E-mail: 10357@surrey.pnn.police.uk

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

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