POLICE tasked with keeping tabs on Barnsley’s army of illegal off-road bikers say they are expecting an influx of reports as the warmer weather sets in - but have told those responsible to expect more operations geared towards stopping them in their tracks.

Since January, police have been providing daily coverage in communities such as Brierley, one area hit hard due to its bordering countryside which separates West and South Yorkshire Police’s patches. The introduction of a problem-orientated policing (POP) plan has been brought into play by officers involved in the reduction campaign, which brings in other agencies such as the council.

“POP plans look at a particular issue’s root cause,” Inspector Andy Norton said. “Although incidents tend to reduce if we deploy more patrols, we’ve found they soon flare up again when we leave, or if they’re moved on elsewhere. The POP plan comes into play then as it’s a partnership approach - it analyses why disorder is happening and brings in more people from multiple agencies.”

Officers on the South Yorkshire-wide off-road team have warned those continuing to ignore the repercussions will be caught as dedicated monthly operations come into force at multiple locations identified by fed-up residents.

Sergeant Dave Baines added: “We have a commitment from the off-road team in the county and more coverage will be coming to Barnsley so hopefully we’ll see better results in the summer.

“We’ll go and take the bike off them, it really is as simple as that so if the supposed owner can’t provide proof that they’ve purchased the quad or motorbike, we’ll crush it.

“Often they can’t do that and have no documentation, but we want to let residents know that off-road bikers remain a top priority.

“It’s an issue that’s brought up across the borough, so information as to where it’s happening and where the bikes are being kept is crucial.”

Six officers visited several locations last week, setting off from Royston to target blackspots in the neighbouring North East ward where reports of off-road abuse have flooded in.

Sgt Richard Wilson, who is leading the operation in Barnsley, told the Chronicle that residents have grown disillusioned with reporting bikes.

“We want to make it easier for the public to report details about bikes and their whereabouts as the 101 system can be slow on occasions,” he added. “We’re asking people to go through the police’s website instead as that way they can get in touch with their local team.

“Although we did not seize any bikes the last time we were out, these operations will continue now we’re into the warmer season as we’re expecting to have more illegal bikes coming out.”