4x4 seized in police crack down on illegal off-roading in Gwydyr Forest

Sep 23 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

4x4 is towed from Gwydyr Forest

VEHICLES being used to tear up parts of Gwydyr Forest have been seized by North Wales Police after a crack down on illegal off-roaders in the Conwy Valley.

Two 4x4 vehicles were apprehended after a joint operation by rural police teams and the Forestry Commission Wales, who swooped on the rogue drivers on Friday afternoon.

The drivers and their vehicles were collared after reports of gate posts and picnic tables being damaged and areas of special scientific interest being torn-up.

Police say they were able to seize two 4x4 vehicles involved as they had no MOT and insurance certificates.

“The Gwydyr Forest and surrounding area is seeing an increase in illegal off-roading from both 4x4 motor vehicle and motorcycles,” explained rural bobby PC Howell-Walmsley.

“We have seen an increase in criminal damage to fences and gateways where the vehicle users are forcing illegal entry onto forestry area. We are also seeing irreparable damage to the flora, fauna and forestry tracks and on occasion we have seen vehicular damage to SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest).

“This unacceptable activity/behaviour will not be tolerated and the North Wales Police will take a firm stance against it. Working together with the local community, Forestry Commission and local councillors, the West Conwy Division has now seized six 4x4 vehicles in the last 12 months. The last two seized could well face being crushed.

“One recent incident resulted in a crash and the driver sustaining a minor injury, this could quite easily have escalated a serious if not fatal injury.”

Local Cllr Liz Roberts praised the operation. She said: “This is multi-agency working at its best with the police and Forestry Commission working together to stop these rogue off-roaders tearing up the countryside and local forest.

“It is through this partnership working that we are able to tackle these irresponsible people.”

Forestry Commission area manager Tim Roberts added: “We are not against legitimate 4x4 clubs who use our land responsibly but we are working together with the police to stop illegal off-roaders following damage to a number of gate posts and picnic benches within our parkland.

“Forest tracks can be narrow and have sharp bends and if used inappropriately could lead to a serious accident.”

If anybody would like to report on any illegal activity in the North Wales area they can contact the North Wales Police on the Non Emergency Number 101. If in the West Conwy Area of Snowdonia they can contact Community Beat Manager Mark Howell-Walmsley 07748885222.

samantha.castle