Revealed: the extent of illegal off-road bike crime in South Yorkshire during lockdown

South Yorkshire Police has more than doubled the size of its off-road team after seeing an increase in the number of reports of anti-social behaviour involving off-road bikes and quad bikes since lockdown began on March 23.

A further seven officers have joined the six-person team on a full-time basis to conduct daily operations and patrols in so-called hotspot areas across the county as part of a month-long crackdown.

Since expanding at the beginning of May, they have issued 48 warnings, seized 18 vehicles – with a combined value of more than £35,200 – and arrested five people.

Roads policing inspector Craig Clifton said: “We are committed to tackling the problem that off-road bikes can pose to our communities.

“The team are all bikers themselves and share the passion for riding their bikes, but this has to be done in a safe manner and on designated and legal tracks.”

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Six people have been reported on summons, including 28-year-old Jordan Fisher of South Street, Doncaster, who is alleged to have been involved in an incident which saw a 67-year-old man and his four-year-old granddaughter driven at by a quad bike rider.

Those arrested include a 27-year-old man who was detained as part of an ongoing investigation into crop damage on a farmer’s land and causing a public nuisance. A 26-year-old man was also arrested in connection with criminal damage at Deepcar Petrol Station.

Vehicles have been seized for having no insurance or driving licence, with various amounts of drugs also found on those driving, police said. Additionally, warnings have been issued to riders over their driving manner or the land on which they were driving, with one vehicle seized after the rider ignored his first warning.

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Inspector Clifton added: “We are focusing our efforts on those who are posing a risk to our communities through dangerous driving or using their vehicles to commit crimes.

“We are also working with riders to ensure they understand the law and regulations that are in place. It is as much about education as enforcement.”