Tackling Antisocial Use of Off-Road Bikes | Lunchtime Learning Summary

Summary of Key Learnings: Tackling Antisocial Use of Off-Road Bikes

Understanding the Problem in West Lothian

West Lothian faces distinct challenges with off-road vehicle antisocial behaviour across both urban and rural settings. Urban issues centre on off-road bikes and e-scooters/bikes using public spaces including footpaths, play parks, and canal towpaths, creating safety concerns for residents. Rural challenges involve off-road bikes and 4×4 vehicles accessing shale bings and woodland sites, often with geographical complexities that make enforcement difficult.

Case Study: Greendykes Bing (Rural)

Officers shared insights from tackling antisocial behaviour at Greendykes Bing, a rural site presenting multiple challenges:

• Mix of local and national users attracted by social media exposure
• Large geographic area with multiple access/egress points making monitoring difficult
• Historic use of the site for off-road biking creating established patterns
• Multiple landowners/managers requiring coordinated approaches
• Significant risk to legitimate public users of the site

Successful Intervention: Multi-Agency Partnership Approach

The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative working:

• Established a multi-agency working group with key stakeholders
• Conducted site visits with partners to provide crime prevention advice under the Land Reform Act 2003
• Organised multiple days of action with coordinated enforcement
• Implemented targeted letter drops in affected areas
• Utilised social and traditional media for public awareness

Case Study: Bathgate (Urban)

Officers successfully tackled urban off-road bike issues through intelligence-led policing:

• Community reports enabled officers to be in the right place at the right time
• Witnesses observed offences on public footpaths near play parks
• Secured both riders and bikes during enforcement action
• Riders charged with various offences and bikes seized
• Demonstrated swift action following community intelligence

Intervention Strategies and Tools

PC Walker and PC Montague outlined their operational toolkit for addressing off-road vehicle ASB:

1. Request for Information/Identification – Gathering intelligence from communities
2. Days of Action – Coordinated, visible enforcement operations
3. Social Media – Appeals for information and sharing good news stories to build trust
4. Selecta DNA – Property marking technology for asset identification and recovery
5. Signage – Clear communication about restrictions and consequences
6. Education – Proactive work with young people and families
7. Partnership Approach – Collaboration with local authorities, landowners, youth services, and community groups

Key Takeaways for Community Safety Partnerships

• Off-road vehicle ASB requires tailored responses for urban and rural contexts
• Intelligence from communities is essential for effective, targeted enforcement
• Multi-agency partnerships are critical, particularly for managing sites with multiple landowners
• Combining enforcement with education and prevention creates sustainable solutions
• Social media plays dual roles: exposing problem sites but also building community engagement
• Geography and historic use patterns must inform operational planning
• Swift, visible action following community reports builds trust and encourages further intelligence sharing

This session provided community safety professionals with practical examples of how partnership working, community intelligence, and diverse intervention tools can effectively tackle the persistent challenge of off-road vehicle antisocial behaviour.

Resources mentioned during the webinar:

• More information on Selecta DNA: Police Scotland Launch Spray Tactic Against Motorcycle Crime | SelectaDNA
• Video: SelectaDNA Defence Spray -Police Scotland Launch – March 18
• Scottish Auto Cycle Union : Home | Scottish Auto Cycle Union

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Topic: Tackling Antisocial Use of Off-Road Bikes

Date: 24 June 2025

Time: 12-1pm

Location: MS Teams

We are delighted to invite you to this Lunchtime Learning session with PC Ross Walker and PC Robert Montague, Community Police Officers covering West Lothian, to share their knowledge in tackling the issues around the anti-social use of road bikes in communities.

Officers will share case studies on Police operations carried out in West Lothian and how they work with partners and communities in effort to reduce the issues in both rural and urban communities.