Off-road bikers targeted in the Cynon Valley

Nuisance off-road bikers in the Cynon Valley continue to be targeted by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership.

The issue of off-road motorbike use has been identified by local councillors and residents as a problem particularly at weekends in the Aberaman area.

Sergeant Damien McKeon, from the Cynon Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Members of the public have recently contacted us expressing concern about anti social behaviour of off-road bikers and the dangerous manner in which some of them are ridden.

“The bikes can also have a detrimental effect on our green areas where there is evidence of the land being damaged.

“Our concern as a neighbourhood policing team is that somebody could get seriously injured or worse and this is why we will continue to do these operations on a regular basis – to keep people safe and reduce anti social behaviour.”

The Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership has plans to do a number of operations in the area and has already seized two bikes in Cwmbach.

The partnership has a dedicated team to deal with this issue made up of fully-trained drivers and vehicles that can be used on all terrains. They are often supported by CCTV officers who can gather evidence.

Phil Bevan, Head of the Community Safety Partnership, added: “This is an ongoing concern for us and we will continue to respond to it until offenders get the message that we will not tolerate the illegal and anti-social use of off-road vehicles in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“Our residents do not like it and neither do we. It ruins the appearance of open spaces and mountain sides and ruins the enjoyment of the countryside for others.

“There are places where riders can enjoy such activities safely and legally and we urge them to take advantage of those, rather than run the risk of enforcement action, and the seizure of your vehicle, by riding illegally in RCT.”

Those with concerns about the illegal and anti-social use of off-road vehicles can contact the Off Road Team via telephone or text on 07747 485770.

Photograph: Members of the Cynon Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team pictured during a recent operation
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