Rural engagement and enforcement in another Operation Checkpoint.

Officers arrested two men, seized three quadbikes and a motorbike and visited more than 30 farms earlier this month when we took part in another regional Operation Checkpoint.

The two men were questioned in relation to a recent burglary at a farm in Kildale, North Yorkshire where two quads had been reported stolen, and they’ve been bailed pending further enquiries.

The other quadbike and motorbike were stolen from Saltburn and an unknown location; enquiries are underway to identify the rightful owner.

Twenty-four officers including a rural volunteer and two Fisheries colleagues worked into the early hours of Sunday 15^th September during the multi-force, multi-agency rural crime operation co-ordinated by Northumbria Police.

Our local activity included engagement with the farm visits, high visibility patrols on foot and in vehicles and enforcement - with officers stopping 10 vehicles of interest over the course of the evening.  The drivers were given suitable words of advice for minor motoring offences.

Four vehicles whose occupants were suspected of being involved in poaching were seen to make off from police in the East Cleveland area.

East Cleveland Neighbourhood Constable Lee Mapplebeck said: “We responded to every single rural-related incident reported to police that evening and I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to ensure the operation was a success.

“The farm visits meant we could reassure farmers and land managers in person that Cleveland Police is here to help protect their property, livestock and crops, as well as to keep wildlife safe.”

Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Jon Hagen added: “This operation is well planned to target resources where rural crime or ASB is greatest.

“Our main issues at the moment are with off road bikes being stolen from farms and then causing nuisance and damage as they’re ridden around.  We also identified areas which are seeing problems with poaching activity.

“I’m pleased we were able to seize the quads and  motorbike – that means four fewer can be used to cause noise, nuisance and damage and I’d warn anyone involved in using off roaders illegally in our countryside that with the support of our partners, we’ll continue to take action against them.

“Finally I’d remind anyone living, working or running a business in our rural areas of our Rural Watch initiative. You can find more details on Cleveland Police’s website, here: Rural Watch | Cleveland Police

To report crime or ASB including use of off road bikes in your rural neighbourhood please contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number, report online here: Contact us | Cleveland Police  (In an emergency use 999)  We particularly welcome information on who is using off road bikes and where they’re being stored.

If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone them on 0800 555 111.