Police are urging people to report illegal off-roading that is ‘destroying’ Caldbeck Common.
The area – which is privately owned by the Lake District National Park – has been experiencing a rise in illegal off-roading with unregistered motorbikes, 4x4s and quadbikes despite signs advising them against it.
Riders are often not using correct protective gear such as a helmet and riding at speed, which places them and others enjoying the area sensibly at risk.
Police said the drivers are not only committing anti-social behaviour and deterring law-abiding residents and tourists from using the area, but that the vehicles are also causing damage to the land – often getting stuck and being abandoned.
It is also posing a danger to wildlife and livestock in the area.
Deputy police, fire and crime commissioner Mike Johnson said: “Caldbeck Common is a beautiful part of the county that draws in residents and tourists alike. However, anti-social behaviour involving unregistered and uninsured bikes are destroying the area and intimidating visitors to the point that they do not access the land.
“Illegal off-road bikers are using remote areas of Caldbeck common as a “playground” and in doing so, are damaging private land and the lack of protective equipment places them at risk and others.
“Rural crime is an issue in the county with much of it going unreported. Cumbria is a mostly rural county, and we need the public to be our eyes and ears in these more isolated areas so that any crime committed can be dealt with by the police.
“These bikes are often unregistered and uninsured which means if they do cause damage or hurt someone and leave the scene, they may not be caught to face the consequences if it goes unreported.
“If you think an offence has or is about to be committed, please let the police know. We need residents to let us know so that the Police can take action.”
The situation first came to the constabulary’s attention following a meeting with rural communities, organisations, and landowners as part of the Police’s resources that have been put in place to tackle with rural and wildlife crime.
Working in the community, the police are asking those affected to report incidents so that action can be taken, both when it is occurring and afterwards to gather evidence.
Cumbria police do have the power to seize vehicles that are being used in a way that can cause harassment or distress to either other people or to livestock and wildlife.
A police warning must be provided first and if the vehicle continues to be used to commit anti-social behaviour, it can be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act. Vehicles can also be seized if the rider or driver is not insured or has no road tax.
Mr Johnson, Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria and Craven Trail Riders Fellowship, Cumbria Green Lane Association and the national park authority have come together to further push for people to report any and all anti-social behaviour spotted in the area.
The organisations are asking residents and anyone visiting the area to report incidents to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Police ask that people do not approach the riders personally and instead, make a note of any vehicle details and a description of the people involved.
Lake District National Park Authority’s northern area ranger, Carl Bradford, said: “Off-roading not only causes damage to these special landscapes which can take years to recover, but also disturbs wildlife such as ground nesting birds.
“The LDNPA are pleased to be working in conjunction with Cumbria police to target this illegal activity and encourage responsible behaviour.“
Sergeant Amanda McKirdy added that the constabulary is looking to increase patrols in the area to create a deterrent and reduce the activity in the area.
She added: “Often, reports received relate to illegal driving by road registered vehicles – predominantly 4×4-type vehicles committing the traffic offences on common land. This often results in them getting grounded which causes more damage when they have to recover them. Or they leave abandoned vehicles.
“Other areas see damage to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which causes irreparable damage to flora and fauna as well. Some of these species may also be endangered.
“This behaviour is also having a detrimental effect on the local communities and those within to visit the area who have been intimidated by the behaviour.”
