HESLEDEN: Update from Peterlee police (please go to article dated Monday 9 August 2021 for background information https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2021/08/tackling-bike-and-off-road-vehicle.html)
Following on from complaints received by residents, officers attended Hesleden Dene last night at around 9pm. There have been a number of complaints from both residents and Durham Wildlife Trust around anti-social behaviour and damage caused to habitat and fencing in the Dene area.
On officer arrival it was clear that there were a number of off-road vehicles in the main body of the Dene, similar to those that have caused previous criminal damage and destruction of habitat. Officers confronted these riders, who dropped their off-road bikes and made off into the dark of the Dene. They left behind 2 road bikes and a small pit bike, which were seized and will be destroyed. Enquiries will be made around the registered keepers of these vehicles.
Police are aware of the misery and frustration that off-road vehicles can cause, in rural areas as well as residential areas and encourage members of the public to pass on any information which may lead to further seizures or other penalties.