Police have been working alongside Maidstone Borough Council and Golding Homes to tackle nuisance off-road motorcycles and quad bikes in the Parkwood and Shepway residential areas. About 50 calls a month have been logged from local residents complaining of anti-social behaviour in the area since the beginning of 2024.
They reported that people were riding illegal, uninsured quad bikes and off-road bikes on open land causing ASB and nuisance to the residents.
Police report that officers from the Local Policing Team as well as the Community Safety Unit, Roads Safety Unit and the Roads Policing Unit have been working with partners to identify those responsible and in the last month they have issued seven section 59 warnings and five Community Protection Warnings. Three vehicles have also been seized.
On one occasion a red quad bike was reported to be being ridden in the park by Parkwood Walk in Maidstone. Officers attended and despite the rider trying to make off from officers, he was caught and the bike seized.
Chief Inspector Mark McLellan said:
‘We do not underestimate the impact anti-social behaviour can have on those living and visiting the area and we will continue to use all available powers to deal with the issue.
‘As a result we’ve seen a reduction in the number of calls coming in. We want this to continue and improve the quality of living for this community.’