Kent crackdown
Cops seize suspected stolen off-roader in Medway operation
Kent Police have come down hard on the illegal use of off-road motorbikes after a special operation saw the force tackle riders in the west Kent and Medway areas – with officers using a fleet of Honda CRF300Ls to allow them to tackle challenging muddy routes.
“This operation generated some great results not only in terms of numbers of riders stopped but also in the response we had from members of the public,” said PC Luke Jorden, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force. “We had the opportunity to meet various members of the community including hikers, dog walkers and horse riders, who were really positive about the action.”
The force also used patrol cars and drones, with a combination of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force and Road Safety Unit on the ground, with further assistance coming from the Sussex Police Rural Crime Team.
“Some riders we spoke to said their own motorcycles had been stolen in the past and they were pleased we were checking vehicles to see if they were legitimately owned,” revealed PC Jorden.
“This enforcement will continue and anyone with concerns or information about the anti-social use of vehicles in their area should report incidents so we can make the most effective use of our resources.”
Police were in attendance in areas including Holly Hill, Snodland; Common Road, near Blue Bell Hill; Peters Village, near Wouldham; Eccles and Burham.
In total, 60 riders were stopped with two machines seized – a suspected stolen bike, and another vehicle that was uninsured. Three further driving licence and insurance related offences were dealt with.
‘Many said they had been victims of theft’