The new off-road unit will enable officers to increase the number of patrols across the force area.

South Wales will set up a new off-road motorcycle unit to tackle illegal off-roading.

The initiative has come about as a result of a partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the unit will be funded for three years from NRW’s Proceeds of Crime pot.

The unit is designed to help reduce the damage to the environment and sensitive wildlife habits caused by illegal off-roading.

It will also help to reduce the damage to recreational assets such as mountain bike trails and aims to tackle the anti-social behaviour and crime linked to these means of access, such as raves, fuel and equipment theft and damage to harvesting sites.

Superintendent Marc Lamerton, South Wales Police Strategic lead for tackling anti-social off road bikes said: “We are committed to working with our local communities and partner agencies in order to tackle issues that have a detrimental effect on residents, and we always strive to implement long-term solutions with a problem solving approach.

“Throughout the Spring and Summer, we will be deploying   our newly formed Anti-Social Off Road Team who will work closely with NRW and local officers  where we will  take positive action against offenders.”

David Liddy, Recreational Specialist Advisor for Natural Resources Wales said: “This is a really important partnership, and we welcome the opportunity to be able to work with South Wales police and Local Authority’s  to help  tackle this antisocial activity

“We’ve seen a sharp increase over the last few years in the number of illegal off roading incidents across south Wales that have been reported to us, and in some instances has led to members of the public being verbally and even physically assaulted.  

“This behaviour is wholly unacceptable, and we’re committed to working with our partners and communities to tackle this issue so that our forests and woodlands are a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”