A coordinated crackdown on illegal off-road biking in Doncaster has led to arrests, vehicle seizures, and a renewed call for community support, as South Yorkshire Police intensify efforts to tackle the growing issue.
The Doncaster North Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) joined forces with the Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team (MARCT) for a targeted day of action aimed at curbing the disruptive and often dangerous activity plaguing local communities.
Targeted Patrols Yield Results
Using community intelligence and local knowledge, officers carried out high-visibility patrols, with a strong focus on known problem areas such as a quarry off Lound Lane in Brodsworth. There, officers encountered four electric motorbikes being ridden unlawfully. After a brief pursuit, one rider was detained, reported for driving offences, and had their bike seized for lacking insurance.
Throughout the day, three additional vehicles were recovered—one due to uninsured driving, while two others were found with false or cloned licence plates. In a separate incident, police arrested two individuals after a vehicle search uncovered Class A drugs and offensive weapons, highlighting the broader criminal activity often linked to illegal motorbikes.
Community Policing Boosts Visibility and Trust
Visibility remained central to the operation. Officers cycled 14 miles along the Roman Ridge and Transpennine Trail, engaging with members of the public and monitoring common biking routes. Officers also visited local petrol stations, urging staff to report suspicious activity or off-road bike refuelling incidents.
Sergeant Kelly Ward, from the Doncaster North NPT, emphasised the importance of community involvement:
“We know how much of a nuisance off-road bikes are in our local communities, and we recognise people’s frustrations. Every report helps us build a clearer intelligence picture that leads to targeted actions like this one.”
Public Support Critical to Continued Progress
While the operation marked a clear success, police stress that sustained progress depends on public cooperation. Residents are urged to report specific details—such as times, dates, locations, rider descriptions, and where bikes may be stored—to aid ongoing investigations.
Reports can be submitted via:
- 101 (non-emergency police line)
- South Yorkshire Police online portal: Report Crime
- Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite positive outcomes, officers acknowledged that illegal biking remains a complex issue. Riders are often difficult to apprehend, and seized bikes are quickly replaced. Sergeant Ward noted that sustained community vigilance is vital to closing these enforcement gaps.
This operation reflects a broader national trend, with the National Police Chiefs’ Council reporting a rise in off-road vehicle misuse and advocating for specialised patrol units like MARCT. Public reactions on social media were mixed but largely supportive, with one X user stating: “Sick of bikes tearing up the trails—glad police are stepping up,” while another cautioned: “They’ll just move elsewhere unless storage is hit.”
A Message to the Community
As the police continue to assess intelligence and plan future patrols, residents are reminded that even small pieces of information—such as a rider’s helmet colour or the make of a bike—can lead to actionable outcomes.
“We use that intelligence to shape our policing activities every day,” said Sergeant Ward. “With continued community support, we can make real progress.”
