South Wales Police operation targets scrambler bike annoyance

The PACT-led operation was instigated in response to community concerns that have been raised in PACT meetings throughout the Borough, with scrambler annoyance being identified as a priority for partnership action.

The operation included high visibility vehicle patrols in the Caerau, and Croeserw areas of Maesteg, along with patrols in Coity, Pencoed, and Brackla. As part of the operation marked police vehicles were used to patrol known areas of scrambler annoyance, and the exact locations of offenders were then passed onto the Off Road Unit.

As a result of Operation Palmair, 6 First Warning Notices (under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act) were issued.

As a result of the issued warning notices, if the offender or the scrambler bikes are caught being driven illegally again within the next 12 months, the bikes can be seized. The bike owner will then have to pay a seizure release penalty fee of £115, along with additional penalty fees of £12 per day.

Maesteg Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Chris Truscott, who led the operation, stated "The operation was again PACT meeting led, with community members from across Maesteg and Bridgend deciding upon Scrambler annoyance as a priority for partnership action. This high visibility operation will deliver a clear message to scrambler related offenders, that both the police and our communities will work collectively to deter offences of scrambler annoyance, and to positively deal with those that persist in offending."

"The operation involved a range of police tactics, that included the local intelligence of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams, along with the operational support from the police Off Road Unit. As a result of the police off road scrambler bikes, we were able to access areas that were not accessible by police cars. A number of illegal off road bikers received First Warning Notices, and the Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be on the look out for continued offences during ongoing off road operations." Sergeant Chris Truscott continues "The owners of vehicles like scrambler bikes must also adhere to the laws of the Road Traffic Act, when on roads. This requires the need for vehicle insurance, MOT's, road tax, number plates, and vehicle lights."

South Wales Police Acting Chief Inspector Linda Curtis stated "The illegal use of scrambler bikes present a danger to community members, in addition to the lasting damage that the bikes cause to the natural environment. Scrambler annoyance will not be tolerated, and offenders will be targeted with ongoing operations, throughout the borough."

South Wales Police urges community members with any information on the identity of persons using scrambler bikes in an anti social manner to contact 01656 655 555, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.