A motorcycle has been seized by police in Tidworth as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour involving off-road bikes in the area.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit and Specials Road Safety Unit, working with the local Neighbourhood Team, took action following multiple reports of motorcycles being ridden illegally and causing a nuisance in Tidworth and Ludgershall.
The incident occurred on Friday (12 September), when one of the bikes was seized. The rider is set to be prosecuted for driving offences, and the vehicle will be permanently disposed of with no option for its return.
Police say these motorcycles are often shared or swapped between riders, and warn that enforcement action will continue to be taken against anyone caught riding them unlawfully – regardless of who owns the vehicle.
Riding off-road motorcycles on public pathways, parks or other public spaces is illegal and poses a serious danger. Riders often lack protective equipment and behave recklessly, putting themselves and others at significant risk.
Neighbourhood Inspector Gavin Brewster said: “I want to reassure the community that when we receive reports of this behaviour, we will act.
“Working alongside our Specialist Operations Units, we will robustly deal with anyone riding illegally and in an anti-social manner.
“This can result in vehicles being seized and crushed, alongside prosecutions for document offences, and even careless or dangerous riding charges.
“Offenders risk disqualification from driving before they have even obtained their licence.
“We ask the community to continue being our eyes and ears – please report anyone you know to be riding off-road motorcycles illegally.
“Together, we can reduce the risk to the public, hold offenders to account and prevent further incidents from happening.”
