POLICE chiefs have pledged to crackdown on “thoughtless” bikers who are tearing up Suffolk common land.The yobs have been warned they could have their vehicles crushed as part of the move to tackle anti-social behaviour in Great Cornard, near Sudbury.

Will Clarke

POLICE chiefs have pledged to crackdown on “thoughtless” bikers who are tearing up Suffolk common land.

The yobs have been warned they could have their vehicles crushed as part of the move to tackle anti-social behaviour in Great Cornard, near Sudbury.

Police in the village have issued the warning as part of a renewed crackdown on scrambler bikes being ridden “recklessly and anti-socially” on the common land off Shawlands Avenue.

Neighbourhood police patrols and officers from Babergh District Council are targeting the areas where bikers gather and ride illegally after reports that scramblers had been seen on local parkland, farmland and other open spaces.

Sally Watson, Babergh's anti-social behaviour officer, said: “These gatherings cause annoyance and nuisance to people legitimately using and enjoying the countryside - the noise from the machines can be very loud and distressing.

“We are aiming to identify offenders and take as many illegal riders off the roads and parks as possible.”

Mrs Watson urged members of the public to help the team and report any instances to the police or to Babergh. Any details including the time and place of illegal scrambling would help the authorities, she said.

Sgt Dave Giles, of the local police, said: “There are powers in place to help us deal with offenders, including a local bylaw and enforcement tools such as warning notices and powers to seize and crush vehicles, which will be considered.

“Parents are reminded there are laws in place relating to moped and mini-moto use, and are encouraged not to buy these vehicles for their children.”

Michael Fitt, clerk of Great Cornard Parish Council, said: “In 2000, the parish council passed a bylaw banning motorcycles from its land at Blackhouse Lane, Shawlands Avenue and the Hedgerows village green.

“We are concerned that unlicensed - and potentially unsafe motorbikes - continue to cause annoyance and nuisance to residents, as well as churning up the woodland pathways.”

To log any instances of anti-social behaviour please call Babergh's anti-social behaviour reporting line on 01473 826622 or use the e-form at www.babergh.gov.uk .