Nuisance bikers tackled by the Specials force

Following a one-day clampdown last month (June) which saw 42 riders stopped on open land in and around Sundon pit, more high-profile operations are planned throughout the county.

Just under a third of those stopped were given various notices, including notices under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 warning their machines will be seized and possibly crushed if they continue to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to the public.

The rest were given verbal warning on condition they do not return and help spread the message that motorcyclists cannot ride on private land without permission, or tear along footpaths and bridleways.

The work follows hot on the heels of clampdowns by police and PCSOs, particularly around Houghton Regis as part of the on-going Operation Meteor initiative against nuisance bikes.

Chief Inspector Gavin Hughes-Rowland warned: “Not only do these bikers cause damage to crops and hedgerows, but by riding recklessly along footpaths and bridleways, they are putting members of the public, including walkers, cyclists and horse riders, in danger.

“The Specials will continue to help the force fight this issue by making regular visits to known biker hotspots. This nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The Special Constabulary is the UK’s volunteer police force. Bedfordshire Police has almost 240 Specials, but is aiming to more than double that number by Spring 2017.

To find out about becoming a Special with Bedfordshire Police, visit www.bedfordshire.police.uk