POLICE have appealed for more information to tackle growing concerns over off-road bikers in the borough.
Barnsley has seen reports of antisocial behaviour involving off-road vehicles soar during lockdown – particularly in villages such as Grimethorpe, Darfield, Wombwell, Little Houghton and Great Houghton.
Last week, quad bike-riding yobs tore up the course at Barnsley Golf Club, on Wakefield Road, Staincross.
The antisocial behaviour is generally kept to more rural areas around the Trans Pennine Trail, but more reports have been lodged of vandals coming into town and village centres.
In November, a motorbike rider tore up a village green in Darfield – thought to have been a deliberate instance of vandalism on nearby chip shop owner Aso Muhammed whose shop front was ruined by dirt thrown up by the bike.
The month prior, police launched ‘Operation Musician Bravo’ – forming a so-called ‘battle group’ of neighbourhood police, traffic cops and marked and unmarked vehicles – in response to concerns.
“The reporting of crime and sharing of intelligence helps us understand what is happening across Barnsley and respond appropriately with the right resources and officers,” said a spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police.
“We know that off-road bikes cause a nuisance to you, and that they are of concern, but for us to be able to take action we need to highlight hot spot areas, and this can only be done when crimes are reported and recorded.
“If you see off-road bikes being driven in a dangerous or anti-social manner or using footpaths and private land, please report it via 101 or online via the SYP website.
“Please provide as much information as possible including number plates, descriptions of bikes and riders, as well as times and dates.
“This information will help us respond and build up intelligence for days of action.”