POLICE will be increasing their efforts to stop illegal off-road bike riders from causing a nuisance at Hartlebury Common.

Inspector Dave King from Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Team and Inspector Tanya Beckett from Droitwich say their teams will be working closely with Wychavon and Wyre Forest District Councils to help reduce the risks posed by quad bikers and off-road bikers, who police say are "using the common as a race track".

The new operation, which will be led by Safer Neighbourhood Teams and specialist Rural and Business Crime Officers, will see targeted operations carried out to clamp down on those who use off-road bikes illegally.

Officers will also be providing reassurance to local people walking on the common, which is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which means destruction or disturbance of the land carries further penalties and large fines.

Inspector Dave King said: “Action will be taken under Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act which makes it an offence for any vehicle to be driven on any common land which is not a road.

"Officers will use SmartWater to mark the bikes involved and, if caught, officers will seize the vehicles which could then see them destroyed.

“We want the public to be aware we are taking their safety seriously and have a specific operation in place to target those who flout the law.

"This anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated on Hartlebury Common or anywhere else.”

Anyone with any information on the illegal use of off-road bikes should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.