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.

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