Police have been patrolling parks, riverbanks and rural tracks across Gedling in a bid to tackle nuisance bikers and antisocial behaviour.
A specialist off-road motorcycle team swept through a string of known hotspots on Saturday, September 26, including Gedling Country Park, Colwick Country Park, Stoke Bardolph, Lambley, Burton Joyce and tracks leading towards Gunthorpe.
While no bikes were seized during the latest operation and no arrests were made, officers said their presence acted as a deterrent and was welcomed by residents.
The crackdown comes amid growing complaints about the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters in public spaces, with police promising more patrols in the weeks ahead.
Officers have already taken action in Newstead, where several off-road bikes have been seized as part of a wider effort to tackle persistent problems in the area.
Since July, Nottinghamshire Police has carried out a series of targeted operations using both uniformed and plain-clothed officers alongside the specialist bike team.
That enforcement has already led to results.
Two boys aged 16 and 17 were stopped in Station Road, Newstead, on July 19 and had their off-road bikes seized. Both were charged with riding without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Rather than appearing in court, they were handed out-of-court disposals and ordered to complete educational and rehabilitation programmes, including road safety awareness sessions. Those who fail to complete the interventions can still face prosecution.
In a separate incident on August 27, officers stopped a 14-year-old rider at Newstead and Annesley Country Park. His bike was seized and he was issued with a Section 59 warning.
Inspector Steven King, Gedling’s local area commander, said illegal off-road biking remains one of the issues residents raise most frequently with police.
He said: “Acting on information provided by residents, officers have continued targeted enforcement activity, resulting in a number of vehicle seizures and positive action against offenders.”
King stressed that the operations were being driven by public concerns rather than an attempt to stop people enjoying motorsport responsibly.
“Our aim is not to stop people enjoying their hobbies responsibly, but to address behaviour that causes danger, nuisance and distress to others,” he said.
He added that while some off-road bikes can legally be ridden on private land with permission, riders caught using them unlawfully in public spaces risk having their vehicles seized and facing prosecution.
Police are also urging parents to make sure children understand the law around off-road bikes and the consequences of illegal riding.
