Off-road bikes seized by police

Fifteen off-road bikes were seized by police over the weekend.

The bikes were seized from Pantside Moors, near Newbridge, and Cwmcarn Forest by officers from the Risca and Blackwood neighbourhood policing team and Gwent Police’s rural crime team.

Natural Resources Wales was also involved, with police making one arrest.

Taking to social media, Gwent Police’s Caerphilly officers tweeted: “We won’t tolerate illegal riders destroying our landscape in Caerphilly County Borough.”

A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales, said: “Illegal off-roading is causing considerable damage to the tracks and footpaths in our forests, stopping people from enjoying their local countryside. We’ve heard from people who say they’ve felt intimidated during their daily exercise during lockdown.

“It can have far reaching consequences for the environment; damaging trees, streams and disturbing sensitive habitats for our wildlife.

“It also brings an unwanted cost to the public purse in repairing damaged fencing where people have forced entry – money that could be better spent elsewhere.

“We continue to urge anyone who sees people driving illegally on our sites to report it to police by emailing contact@gwent.pnn.police.uk or calling 101.”