Enforcement action led by Northumbria Police in Slaley Woods saw three 4x4s seized as part of a crackdown on illegal use of off-road cars and bikes.
The police led an operation with the assistance of Natural England, local landowners and community volunteers to stop illegal traffic from using roads through the Tynedale woodland which do not open until May. The operation focused on the use of restricted "Byways Open to All Traffic" (BOATS) which are not yet open to vehicles this year.
Northumbria Police said the scheme had yielded "fantastic results" - with three cars seized and a 36-hour dispersal order used to prevent those involved from returning to the area. The action was led by officers from Hexham's neighbourhood policing team.
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The operation took place on Sunday March 26. Slaley Woods is a known hotspot for illegal off-road driving, the police said.
Inspector Kate Benson said: "We are lucky to be surrounded by such a beautiful rural landscape, and we work incredibly hard, with the support of our partners to ensure it stays this way. BOATs are tracks, usually in rural areas – they often have restrictions put in place to prevent damage to the surrounding area from overuse.
This is usually a limitation on times of use, with the aim to protect the environment, wildlife, and other users.
“However, considerable damage has already been caused in the woods, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which is why we carried out our enhanced activity, and worked with our partners to identify and seize offending vehicles."
Insp Benson said that it was important to "be mindful that the area is for a variety of users" and warned members of the public to check that woodland areas they were looking to visit were open to the public.
She added: "I hope this reassures all those who live in Slaley, and surrounding areas, that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our rural communities. Police and other agencies will not hesitate to consider further action and seek prosecution. Our message is clear – this behaviour is not acceptable."
Reports of any suspicious of illegal activity can be made via 101, or the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website.
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