WHITEHILL Police went into overdrive last week in its attempts to crack down on motor cyclists using nearby Ministry Of Defence land. Operation Castleberry - a joint effort between Whitehill, MOD, and the Royal Military Police took place over the weekend and was a huge success. In total, 31 people either had their details taken by police or were warned off by military police. One person received a fixed penalty notice, and four people received warning notices for using vehicles anti-socially. If they are caught again in the next 12 months, their vehicle can be seized. Five riders were reported for summons and four bikes were seized by police. Pc Edward Barrett, the officer in charge of the operation, said: "We were busy all weekend, and a large number of people were warned off the land by the military police. "These bikes are not only a nuisance, but they also make it dangerous for other people who use the common. From our point of view it was a really successful weekend and a good job was done by all involved, especially the military police who came down from West Bromwich." PC Barrett added: "The MOD and ourselves were out in four wheel drive vehicles and the Royal Military Police were on off-road motorbikes patrolling all the army training areas. The idea behind the operation was to be out there to deter, educate and even prosecute the more serious offenders." On Saturday, while the operation was in progress, a quad bike collided with a car on Oakhanger Road, Bordon. The driver of the quad bike was taken to North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, with head injuries, and later arrested. Frank Anthony Johnson, aged 18, from Oakhanger, was later charged with failing to provide a sample for analysis, assault, using a vehicle without insurance and failing to stop after a road accident. The driver of the car, an Audi A3, was not injured. This was the fourth operation by Whitehill Police but only the second time the force had joined up with the Royal Military Police. When the land is not being used for army training the general public are allowed to use it for quiet recreation but that does not include motor cyclists. "This facility has been much enjoyed by the local community but is being spoiled by the inconsiderate and anti-social behaviour of a few, hence the need for such operations," said an MOD spokesman. Much of the training estate is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which the MOD is obliged to protect. The spokesman added: "Much damage is done to the habitat and wildlife by illegal and uncontrolled abuse of the areas. At specific times of the year, controlled licensed motor events are allowed." A few local residents were unhappy that the army are unable to release some land permanently for motor cycle use. "I cannot understand why we cannot have somewhere nearby to ride our bikes. If we want to motor cycle, we have to trek all the way to Four Marks when there is so much army land available," said a local resident Pc Barrett sympathised with the responsible riders and said he understood that the general public's perception is that the land is under- used, and some of it could be allocated for this purpose. However the insurance for such an activity would prove far too costly for the MOD and the police were concerned with public safety. "I can appreciate that there is not a lot to do around the Bordon area, but we must protect public safety before anything else. The people who ride bikes on the land, range from 10 year olds being supervised by parents to lads racing around like lunatics, to semi- professional off-road people. "Some are obviously unaware that they cannot ride on the land but many do know this, and there are a few bikers who are riding stolen bikes which we have tried to recover. With this in mind, we tried to focus particularly on those who are driving around recklessly," PC Barrett remarked. Under the current bye-laws, a section 59 Order can be issued by the police, meaning that if a person is caught riding illegally within 12 months, they will have their vehicle seized and a fine of £1,500 will be issued. Costs for holding the vehicle in storage will also be incurred. Whitehill Police now will look closely at the findings from the operation to see if there is is a need for similar measures to be enforced and appropriate action taken.
