Police put brakes on nuisance bikers
Woodland patrol targets dangerous riders
Officers from Kent Police have been working to catch nuisance and illegal vehicles with a special weekend operation.
Patrols, including PCSOs and officers from the rural liaison team, visited Bredhurst Woods, Boxley Warren and Walderslade Woods on motorbikes and in unmarked cars.
Bob Hinder, chairman of Boxley Parish Council, said: “This type of operation is always welcomed as there is a huge problem.
“Walkers and volunteers working in the area are at real risk from the maniacs who think it is their right to drive where they like, totally disregarding the damage to property and farmers’ land.”
The police are working with Boxley and Bredhurst Parish Councils, Kent County Council, Boxley Warren Nature Reserve Management Committee and Bredhurst Woodland Action Group to tackle the problem.
A total of 16 vehicles were stopped, with drivers’ insurance details checked.
Three motorbikes were pulled over in Scragged Oak Lane, Detling, and the riders were found to not have a valid driver’s licence and no insurance.
During the operation, a stolen motorbike was recovered after its rider was stopped near the petrol station on Blue Bell Hill and was found to be driving on false number plates and had a false chassis number stamped on the frame.
PCSO Matt Adlington said: “We understand the concerns of local residents and officers will continue to carry out patrols in Maidstone where concerns have been raised.
“We are always grateful to members of the public who have provided us with any information and we continue to urge people to report any issues and where possible take down registration numbers.
“This will assist us in taking action should we identify these vehicles driving in an anti-social way.”