POLICE are increasing patrols around Hamsterley Forest following a surge in off-road vehicles causing damage to sensitive peatland.
A number of 4×4 vehicles have been found burned out in the area, after their owners abandoned them when they became stuck in rough terrain along Doctors Gate road.
A police spokesperson said: “Officers have been deployed to a number of incidents over the last three weeks whereby significant damage is being caused to the moorland, restricted byway, and the road for people attending the area in 4X4 vehicles, off-road bikes, and quad bikes.
“Not only is this a breach of current Covid restrictions, with some people having travelled as far as Whickham just to travel the road which has become a recent hotspot for off-road vehicles.
“Alongside a blatant breach of Covid regulations officers have also been dealing with related vehicle offences including a suspected stolen quad bike recovered by officers and one male released under investigation.”
Police are now working with Durham County Council, Bishop Auckland Fire and Rescue and Forestry England in an attempt to curb the problem.
The spokesperson added: “More alarmingly, services have seen an increase in calls regarding vehicles on fire within the forest and on the moors. This is believed to be a deliberate act due to the vehicles becoming stuck on the unclassified road due to the poor conditions and unable to be recovered. Enquiries are being made to identify the owners of these vehicles, however, this is causing a lot of damage and is also polluting the environment.
“Anti-social behaviour and driving offences will not be tolerated, and those blatantly acting in an unacceptable manner will be dealt with
appropriately.”
Anyone with information regarding the issues can contact PCSO Chloe Gilding by email on Chloe.
Gilding@durham.police.uk or by calling 101.
