DUNES BEING TORN UP BY OFF-ROAD BIKERS
OFF-ROAD bikers are putting lives at risk and destroying sand dunes on Anglesey, placing the wildlife in jeopardy.
North Wales Police are clamping down on motor bikes and quad bikes being ridden illegally after dunes and grassland along the coastal footpath in Cymyran and Rhosneigr were damaged.
A biker was given a warning by members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team after being spotted in the area earlier this month. If the rider is caught again the bike will be seized and and the person prosecuted.
Officers launched a campaign in August 2016 to target the use of off-road bikes and quadbikes in the area which saw increased patrols and special posters distributed to camping and caravanning sites.
Sergeant Tracey Llewellyn from the Anglesey Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “The coastal path is a special site and these bikes are damaging greenery and destroying habitats. Officers are patrolling the area and will deal with any offending vehicles.
“The use of motorcycles and quad bikes are a serious concern to the local community due to the lasting damage they cause to the natural environment as well as increased risk of injury to members of the public.
“These riders show little regard for the safety of others and we want to re-iterate that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Riders are being warned that police have the power to seize bikes and cars which are used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress.
Ann Harden, resident and member of Friends of the Anglesey Coastal Path group, added: “A large area of the sand dunes at Cymyran has been eroded by repeated motor cycle activity.
“This activity is disturbing and destroying the habitat of plants and wildlife which make up the sand dune ecosystem.”
Anybody who witnesses the illegal use of motorcycles or quad bikes is asked to to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.