POLICE are carrying put extra patrols in part of County Durham to tackle a recent spate of incidents in which quad bike riders have been targeting farmland.
Durham police said riders have cut fencing and used quads to tear up farmland and crops at a number of farms in the Brancepeth, Brandon and New Brancepeth areas.
Officers suspect the activity may be linked to poaching and hare coursing, which is when dogs are used illegally to chase, catch and kill hares.
The Framwellgate Moor and Meadowfield neighbourhood policing team said it had been kept busy with reports of such incidents in recent days and vowed to continue evening patrols in a bid to protect property and catch the culprits.
A spokesperson said: “The riders of the quads have caused significant damage and the poaching activities are clearly illegal and are cruel to the animals being targeted.
“The Framwellgate Moor and Meadowfield Neighbourhood team along with colleagues from the response teams have been visiting the affected farms over the last few days and attempting to put in place measures to stop the quad riders.
"They have also been undertaking nighttime overt and covert patrols in an attempt to capture and deter the riders from this activity.
“Officers will remain undertaking activity in this area until the issues stop or the offenders are caught.”
Anyone with any information regarding this activity is asked to contact PCSO Daniel Winstanley from the Framwellgate Moor and Meadowfield Neighbourhood team on daniel. winstanley@durham.police.uk
Police suspect quad damaged caused to farms around Durham is linking to poaching and hare coursing
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