Officers in Bargoed and Rhymney seized five off-road vehicles during a recent one-day operation.
During the operation in early January, officers teamed up with rangers from Caerphilly Council to target the Gelligaer, Brithdir and Rhymney commons.
They seized three off-road motorbikes and two quad bikes that were being ridden illegally in the area. A further three riders received formal warnings (Section 59 notices).
Officers also issued four Anti-Social Behaviour Order referrals. One driver has also been summonsed to court for riding on the highway without tax and insurance.
PCSO Neville Davies from the Bargoed Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Sadly, every Christmas we find parents purchasing off road vehicles for their children often without giving sufficient thought to or understanding where they can be legally ridden. These operations with our partner agencies aim to tackle the anti-social use of off-road vehicles both on the commons and in residential areas. We often find that riders are not only breaking the law, but posing a serious risk to themselves, walkers on the common as well as the wildlife.
“This sends out a clear message that Gwent Police and our partner agencies will not tolerate such behaviour and are committed to ensuring that the quality of life for residents and legitimate users of the commons is not affected.”
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, pictured, cabinet member for the environment said, “We are firmly committed to tackling the issues that impact on people’s quality of life in our communities, and the noise and anti-social behaviour caused by off-road bikes is something that is raised with us time and again.
“As this recent operation illustrates, we will not tolerate behaviour of this type and the small minority that use the commons for this purpose will not get away with it.”
The anti-social and illegal use of off-road vehicles is currently a PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) priority for the Darren Valley and Twyn Carno wards.
To report incidents of illegal off-road riding, please contact Gwent Police on 101.
