Rural cop team make fast start in battle with off-road bikers
RURAL Task Force Officers met with the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner to discuss the priority of off- road bikes and speeding across the streets and moors of Rossendale.
The dedicated rural task force team were introduced in February, with a total of 20 officers deployed across Lancashire.
They are dedicated to tackling local initiatives and rural crime types such as quad thefts, offroad and nuisance bikes, theft of livestock and sheep worrying, alongside poaching and snaring wild animals.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Rossendale Dave Clarke said the taskforce are dedicated to keeping the local community safe, protecting wildlife and safeguarding livelihoods of farmers and businesses across the east of the county.
“This team is a welcome addition to the Waterfoot policing response,” he said.
“We have been fortunate to be allocated four officers who have been through rigorous training to ensure they have the necessary skills and expertise to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities.”
The rural taskforce team will continue to team up with colleagues at Greater Manchester Police and West Yorkshire Police alongside partners in the Environmental Agency, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and United Utilities on the issue of offroad bikes; investing in and utilising kit which will help to identify riders across the moors and those responsible for this type of anti-social behaviour.
Chris Webb, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, thanked residents for their support.
He said: “The rural taskforce have only been in post a few weeks and have, with the help of local communities, quickly started to tackle issues that matter to people.
“These five teams are trained to help tackle the unique issues faced in more rural areas and build safer rural communities, by working closely with the people who live and work in them.
“The force has been rated as outstanding in terms of our efficient use of the resources we have so, residents can be confident we will continue to deliver the highest quality policing service possible.”
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