Farms visited and vehicles seized in another successful rural crime operation

Officers stopped a number of vehicles, visited farms and acted on reports of crime and nuisance quad bikes during a successful rural crime operation on Saturday 25^th January.

Redcar and Cleveland’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) were assisted by the Drone Unit, our Rural Crime Special Constables and Matrix as well as colleagues in Force Control Room.

Following reports of a quad bike being ridden in an antisocial manner in the Marske area, officers descended on the scene and stopped the vehicle.

Although the rider had insurance and a licence, he was given a Section 59 warning for antisocial driving meaning should he do this again, the vehicle will be taken off him by police.

Two more Section 59 warnings were handed out to drivers in Charltons and Saltburn after our eagle-eyed plain clothed officers spotted antisocial driving.

During proactive patrols, which officers undertake on a daily basis, numerous suspicious vehicles were brought to our attention during the evening. Intelligence was also gathered in relation to quad bike thefts.

One Citroen failed to stop for police and a short pursuit took place around Grangetown before the occupant decamped and made off from the vehicle.

The vehicle was seized and the Drone Unit and our specialist dogs were brought in to look for the suspects however they were not located.

Yet another car was stopped in Moorsholm due to the manner of its driving and a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) was issued for having flashing red lights on the rear of the car.

Our operation was not only about enforcement but it was also about engaging with our rural communities who spoke to officers about any concerns or issues they may have had.

Officers visited multiple farms to provide crime prevention advice and provide reassurance.

Sergeant Rory Sadler said: “This proactive work is something we do day in and day out but by providing a highly visible presence, we’re deterring those intent on committing crime whilst providing reassurance to our communities.

“We hear from residents about the huge impact rural crime has on them, particularly around quad bikes being driven in a dangerous or antisocial manner. This simply isn’t acceptable, and we will continue to do all we can to make our roads and rural areas safe.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the operation for making it such a success. If you have any information about crime and antisocial behaviour in your area, then please report it to us. We can and we will take action.”

Our officers are working hard to tackle rural crime through enforcement and proactive patrols but information from the public is key to help us to understand where our resources are needed.

Residents can report rural crime and ASB online via the Cleveland Police website or by calling 101. Always use 999 in an emergency.