A DRONE will be deployed at the police’s off-road bike action days in the ongoing fight against illegal riders blighting areas of Barnsley.
The flying device complete with video camera, which has been purchased by Barnsley Council, made its debut last weekend as the Royston Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out an off-road operation at hotspot sites across the town.
The bank holiday’s warm weather also saw South Yorkshire Police’s dedicated off-road team of five bikes take part in the multi-agency operation, alongside local PCSOs, at sites such as Rabbit Ings in Royston and several areas in Grimethorpe to provide a deterrent.
Coun Chris Lamb, cabinet support member for communities, said: “Barnsley Council is one of six local authorities within the UK to have a permit for commercial operations granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
“The safer neighbourhood service has recently received this approval and will be utilising the technology to support relevant work within communities.
“By using such technology, it allows police to be directed into areas where nuisance vehicles could be seen from a bird’s eye view.”
Other policing areas of South Yorkshire including Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield have their own area-specific team of off-road bikes - but Barnsley is the only one without a squadron to combat illegal riders.
But the Chronicle can reveal that following months of failed schemes to access funding - thought to be around £24,000 for four bikes - South Yorkshire Police has provided funds for training and equipment such as helmets and protective clothing.
Sergeant Brad Wynne, who leads the Kendray hub, said: “The Neighbourhood Watch in Barnsley had looked into accessing funding but it hasn’t materialised, so we’re now looking into other ways in which we can purchase the bikes for our officers to use.
“It’s extremely important - Barnsley is the only area in South Yorkshire without that vital tool and it shows. Off-road bikers who are using its fields and often roads are common, we’re aware of it and we’re doing all we can to rectify that.
“I’m confident our own bikes will come, it’s just a case of when. Training is being provided to officers who are interested in taking up the role and we will have a dedicated team in the long-term.”
Neighbouring West Yorkshire Police has been trailing its own new weapon - SmartWater - which tags bikes and their riders with a unique chemical signature.
Connor Walker, from South Elmsall, fell foul of the tactic and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Leeds Crown Court last year after being identified, arrested and charged in the first use of the method.
The 18-year-old was sprayed with SmartWater by a PCSO in woodland near Brierley on the Barnsley border, who also filmed him committing offences on a quad bike around the area.
Although the scheme has not been adopted by South Yorkshire Police, it is something they are considering.
“The first step is securing our own bikes,” Sgt Wynne added. “The drone is available, which helps us a lot, and the other is the tagging agent.
“Individually they don’t work, but together it’s a different story and each can help towards identifying riders of illegal bikes.
“Residents can be assured of continued action as we know it’s a big concern to them.
“In the longer term, good intelligence from residents is the key to building up the picture. We can have our own bikes and tools to help but it’s essential to have those who regularly see incidents to report the areas affected to us.”
