Police tackling countryside crime

A number of warnings and anti-social behaviour orders were issued

Police have seized seven motorbikes and made a number of arrests following an operation to tackle countryside crime.

South Wales Police seized five off-road motorbikes and an abandoned car during the joint campaign on Sunday.

Four arrests were made, one relating to the possession of a bird of prey and others to two stolen vehicles.

Gwent Police seized bikes and issued warnings as part of the operation which included an off-road bike operation at Gelligaer Common, Caerphilly county.

Sgt Richard Gardiner, of South Wales Police, said one of the arrests made was under the Wildlife Act in relation to the possession of a bird of prey.

Two others were connected to a stolen 4x4 vehicle and a motorbike that were recovered.

The fourth person arrested was wanted on warrant for offences unrelated to the operation.

'Educate people'

Officers from the Gwent force said they had issued six warnings and six anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) referrals.

It was the second crackdown in recent months following complaints from the public and farmers.

Pc Claire Young from Gwent Police said the aim of the operation was to "educate people in the use of off-road bikes and to improve the quality of life of the residents and the people who use Gelligaer Common."

She added that officers had previously found stolen cars dumped on the land and that the illegal off-road biking made work and life difficult for local farmers.

Pc Young added that officers had carried out the first operation in the area during July in conjunction with South Wales Police. During that time they seized 32 bikes.

The agencies involved included South Wales Police, Gwent Police, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Community Safety Partnerships, the Fire Service and Forestry Commission.