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Police use drones to target and seize nuisance off-road motorbikes across Tonbridge and Malling, Maidstone and Medway

Police have seized five uninsured off-road motorbikes after using a drone to track down the antisocial riders.

Officers were called to rural areas across Kent on Sunday after receiving reports about motorcyclists committing offences on footpaths and in nature reserves.

Kent Police used a drone to track down nuisance motorcyclists. Photo: Kent Police (44833905)
Kent Police used a drone to track down nuisance motorcyclists. Photo: Kent Police (44833905)

A drone was used to follow suspected offenders and five uninsured off-road bikes were seized near Blue Bell Hill, Harrietsham, the Isle of Grain and Maidstone.

Officers also issued 10 section 59 warnings to motorcyclists and 16 fines for breaching coronavirus regulations.

Such orders give police the power to seize and in some cases destroy a vehicle where the antisocial behaviour is repeated.

Police have since issued a reminder to motorcyclists in the west Kent and Medway areas to ride responsibly and lawfully, or risk having their bikes taken away.

Inspector Stephen Kent, of Maidstone’s Community Safety Unit, said: "Our officers are responding to concerns raised about off-road motorbikes and 4x4 vehicles that present a potential danger to others and affect the quality of life for the local communities.

Motorcyclists in the west Kent and Medway areas are being reminded to ride responsibly and lawfully, or risk having their bikes seized. (44833955)
Motorcyclists in the west Kent and Medway areas are being reminded to ride responsibly and lawfully, or risk having their bikes seized. (44833955)

"While any uninsured vehicle will be seized, a section 59 warning can be issued to riders and motorists driving in an irresponsible manner.

"We have had an excellent response from members of the public who were pleased to see our efforts to prevent antisocial behaviour in the countryside.

"I would encourage residents to report any incidents to us as this allows us to build a picture of the problem and deploy our patrols effectively in the future."

Incidents involving nuisance motorcyclists can be reported on the Kent Police website.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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