Three arrested in Rochdale during off-road vehicle crackdown

Wednesday, 26 June 2024 10:25

By Joe Barnes-Taylor

Police have arrested three men, 44, 42, and 37, from Bury, Merseyside and Burnley respectively, on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Within 10 minutes of patrolling the moorland on Saturday 15th June, Police discovered and seized a quad bike with false number plates, and three men were later arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle theft.

All three were issued community protection warnings, which imposed conditions preventing them from using off-road vehicles in a disruptive way.

Upon the later seizure of two vans, believed to be used for criminal activities, two more quad bikes were discovered, and all vehicles are now subject to Section 59 in the Police Reform Act Warnings, meaning they would be seized again if found to be used off-road or in an anti-social manner.

Later that day, a 4x4 vehicle was impounded by Officers after it was reported by community volunteers as in breach of signs prohibiting off-road vehicles likely to cause alarm, distress, or annoyance to the public, and the driver has been fined.

Sergeant Brendan Walsh from GMP’s Rochdale district said: “We understand the prevalence of off-road vehicles in the moorland have caused distress and harm to residents, walkers, cyclists, horse riders as well as animals, and has damaged land, fencing and paths.

“I hope people realise the impact of their actions and think twice before using the area for a joyride.

“The proactive action we’re taking to tackle this problem should send a strong preventative message: we will not tolerate off-road vehicles used for anti-social behaviour and illegal activity.

“Our robust approach, working collaboratively with partners and members of the public, is an example of how we strive to stamp out problems and reach tangible solutions for our communities.”

Police have been responding to complaints from the local community about anti-social behaviour linked to the use of off-road vehicles in rural Rochdale.

The force say they are dedicated to tackling reports of property damage and threatening, unlawful behaviour from local residents.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Key developments coming to Rochdale in 2026

‘Build, baby, build’ is the mantra Rochdale is destined to follow in 2026, with bricks and mortar set to be in hot demand due to the sheer scale of development. Housebuilding is set to dominate the calendar across all Rochdalian towns, with a plethora of residential developments getting the go ahead in 2025.
What does the future hold for Rochdale’s Seven Sisters

Over the course of 2026 hundreds of residents living in the iconic Seven Sisters tower blocks in Rochdale are expected to move out.
Holcombe Hunt returns to Pleasington as future of trail hunting faces uncertainty

Supporters gathered in their hundreds in Pleasington on Boxing Day for the historic Holcombe Hunt, as debate over the future legality of trail hunting continues.
Seven reasons why Prestwich is still ‘on the up’

Prestwich has long been considered a pretty desirable place to live.
From behind the radio mic to serving free Christmas dinners to support local residents in Bury

Dozens of volunteers gave up their Christmas Day to serve hot meals and friendly company at Bury Parish Church Hall, as part of a long-running effort to support people in need over the festive period.
‘We’ve been ‘parents’ to 31 children and every one of them means the world to us’

A couple whose ‘extraordinary commitment’ to being foster carers has transformed dozens of children’s lives are to be awarded Bury’s highest honour. Keith and Helen Atkinson, from Walmersley, are to be given the ‘freedom of the borough’ in early 2026 after looking after 31 children, mainly teenagers, since 1994.
Community centre left with £10,000 of damage just before Christmas

A ‘mindless attack’ has left a community centre in Oldham with more than £10,000 of damage just before Christmas. Holts Community Centre, on Near Birches Parade in the Holts housing estate, was last week targeted by vandals.
From survival to belief as Rochdale AFC look ahead to 2026

Just over 18 months ago, the future of Rochdale AFC looked bleak, with the club facing an uncertain existence after years of instability both on and off the pitch.
Changes to Christmas and New Year bin collections across the borough

Residents are being reminded that bin collections will follow a revised schedule over Christmas and New Year, with garden waste services paused and most other collection days temporarily moved.
Hephzibah’s Christmas artwork chosen for Rochdale council card

A ten year old pupil from a Middleton primary special school has seen her festive artwork turned into an official Christmas card used by the borough council.
Heywood AODS and Heykids secure 19 nominations at NODA District 7 awards

Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and its youth section Heykids have been recognised with a total of 19 nominations at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association District 7 awards.
Greater Manchester Police make 671 arrests during Festive Friday weekend

Greater Manchester Police made 671 arrests across the force area during the Festive Friday weekend, marking an increase of almost 15 percent compared with the same period last year.