Police are going off-road as they step up the fight against crime.

The Bingley and Worth Valley neighbourhood policing team is determined to crack down on offences, particularly people riding off-road bikes or quad bikes illegally.

PC Richard Oddy said that activity can impact on residents’ lives and damage land and wildlife habitats.

PC Oddy has completed an off-road bike course which will enable him to patrol more remote areas and farmland, while also interacting with local people more often.

He has already put his new training to good use, apprehending a motorcyclist who was riding in a nuisance manner last Saturday.

PC Oddy, who says the new asset can strengthen the Farmwatch scheme, said: “If we hear from the community that there are individuals illegally riding off-road bikes or quads, we can quickly respond.

“It has already proven a valuable asset. This increased capability has already received positive reaction from our existing Farmwatch members and we are hoping the accessibility of the bike will work to encourage more into the scheme.”

Farmwatch has more than 100 members, which PC Oddy says is having an impact on crime.

He added: “The fact that I will now be able to patrol these rural areas using the off-road police bike will complement and support this.”

Anyone with concerns in their area can contact their neighbourhood policing team on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.