Two quad bikes seized as officers continue work against illegal off-roading

Neighbourhood officers in Bargoed have seized two quad bikes following reports of anti-social driving on Gelligaer Common.

Officers received a call from a member of the public yesterday reporting that two red quads were being raced over the common and "tearing up the mountainside."

Before finishing the call, the caller updated our control room to say the riders were leaving the area in the direction of Bargoed.

Both neighbourhood and rural crime officers were dispatched, and intercepted them near Heol Coedcae in Bargoed before seizing the off-road vehicles and issuing the riders with traffic offence reports (TOR).

Sgt Tom Brookes said:

"Two quad bikes have been seized after reports of land being damaged in Gelligaer.

"Our team is committed to tackling illegal off-roading, which causes significant environmental damage and can be a nuisance to animals and landowners while also putting motorists and pedestrians at risk.

"These seizures demonstrate the importance of reporting. By giving descriptions of both the vehicles and riders, and the direction in which they were heading, we've been able to act quickly.

"As part of the team's "Respect Rhymney" patrols, we've also recently put up 10 new signs with the aim of gathering more information on those damaging local land through illegal off-roading."

The signs, which display a QR code that directs reporters to a quick and easy-to-use form on the force's website, enable the public to pass on details around riders and their vehicles.

Sgt Brookes added:

"We've recently seen some mindless acts of vandalism in Rhymney involving off-road vehicles, with land ripped up and bus stops covered in mud.

"I'd encourage everyone who witnesses this reckless and selfish behaviour to report it to us, and be reassured that our team will do all we can to identify those responsible, seize their vehicles and hold them to account."

For more on the team's "Respect Rhymney" campaign, visit: https://www.gwent.police.uk/police-forces/gwent-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2024/respect-rhymney/.