Dear Resident,

Wakefield District Off-Road Bike Team were made aware of an increase in calls for service to Bottom Boat Road, Stanley which has a large rural area bordered by the Pennine Trail used by dog walkers/horse riders. Over the last couple of months this particular area has had a sudden increase in calls for service with 10 reports received. Extra patrols have been carried out and the team have been working alongside NPT officers.

On one occasion they spoke with a large group of nominals coming from Leeds who were about to unload their vans to utilise the area. Education and advice was offered and they left the area. However, on a separate incident numerous bikes were seen and all attempted to make off. Following partnership work with colleagues from Leeds, a stinger was successfully utilised and 3 off road motorbikes were seized. The appropriate follow up action is being taken against the nominals. Following on from these dedicated patrols the calls for service have dropped off massively, however the area is still having overnight reports of quads out poaching. The team will continue with extra patrols in the area.