Off-road police seize 20 bikes so far this summer

Wakefield Police’s Operation Matrix team have conducted several targeted days of action, including an operation in Lupset.

The June and July period has so far seen a number of cases initiated by the team reach court with illegal riders and drivers receiving over £1,000 in fines.

They included a Castleford man who received a £366 fine and six points, a Wakefield woman was given a three-year driving ban for being over the prescribed drink/drug drive limit and a Wakefield man who was given six points and a £313 fine for a separate offence.

As part of their June operations, officers also spent an extended period of time in Lupset following public feedback about issues there.

In just one afternoon, officers issued a number of tickets and seized an off road bike from a person identified as a source of problems in the area.

Insp Helen Brear of the Wakefield City And North West NPT, said: “Our Matrix officers are continuing to prove their worth in communities and are working very closely with local officers to tackle reports of off road related anti-social behaviour.

“The team are achieving good results each and every month in terms of seizures and court outcomes as well as providing a highly visible deterrent.

“We remain fully aware of the distress illegal bikers cause and continue to urge residents to report any such activity to their local NPT.

“As these operations demonstrate, when the team is aware of a particular issue they will attend and they will take action.”