Police head off-road to tackle yob motorcycle behaviour in North Yorkshire

A new squad of police officers are going off-road to tackle crime in North Yorkshire.
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As complaints about off-road motorcycles continue to climb, a specially-trained team of officers has been formed to be deployed across the county.

They will deal with yob behaviour and crime linked to off-road bikes - an issue that is a growing trend, says North Yorkshire Police.

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They will also use their specialist skills to get to hard-to-reach areas, search for missing people, tackle rural and wildlife crime, deter cross-border criminality, and support community events.

Some of the members of the new off-road motorbike police team.Some of the members of the new off-road motorbike police team.
Some of the members of the new off-road motorbike police team.

Inspector Kevin Kelly, who developed and implemented the new squad, said: “I’m immensely proud of the team.

“This is arguably one of the most physically demanding roles in policing, and the officers have put a huge amount of work in to develop their skills and resilience.

“Completion of this project has come about through partnership working with South Yorkshire Police, who have helped with training and mentoring, and the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, who has provided funding for the riders’ safety kit.

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“The team is now in a position to support a range of policing operations in urban and rural areas – from busy town centres to remote National Parks. I know they will make a real difference in our communities.”

Some of the members of the new off-road motorbike police teamSome of the members of the new off-road motorbike police team
Some of the members of the new off-road motorbike police team

Among the team is PC Ellie Cooke, who – when she’s not policing North Yorkshire – is an avid enduro rider.

Ellie was the 2019 British Ladies Enduro Champion, and the British Ladies Sprint Champion in 2019 and 2020.

She said: “When I heard about the off-road motorcycle team, I knew that this would be the perfect role for me, as I could transfer my off-road riding skills into work.

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“I knew from a young age I wanted to be a police officer, and there is nothing better than being able to do the job I love while riding a motorbike! I am looking forward to my new role in the team, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together.”