Illegal off-road bikers in Batley targeted by police team

On Saturday police officers on off-road bikes were on patrol as part of Operation Taskabbey.

They responded to a report of a nuisance motorbike on fields behind Wilton Estate in Batley.

A motorcyclist was located and stopped by the officers.

He was warned under section 59 of the Police Reform Act.

A police spokesperson said the rider was told that if he returned to the same place his machine would be seized and he would face potential prosecution.

A Section 59 allows the police to give drivers a warning if they are reported to have used their vehicle in a manner which causes “alarm, distress or annoyance”

If the driver has already received a Section 59 warning in a 12 month period or it is impracticable to give a warning, the vehicle may be seized.