Police warning after damage caused to Hartlebury Common

Officers are warning people not to ride an off-road bike or drive a 4x4 on Hartlebury Common following recent reports of damage caused to the protected land.

Patrols are being stepped up to halt a rise in cases of the landscape – which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - being ripped up by quad bikes and cars, as well as incidents of fly-tipping.

Working with our partners at Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council, Droitwich Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and Wyre Forest SNT met them at the site this week to assess the damage and continue with joint efforts to protect it.

Police Sergeant Cathy Atkinson of Droitwich SNT, whose team area includes the parts of the Common affected, said: “We have reviewed the damage caused to the site, caused by off road bikes and 4x4 vehicles, as well as the fly tipping and discussions were held about protecting the land, working together with support from partners.

“Further visits and patrols will be conducted, and we are warning members of the public that if anyone is witnessed causing damage to the land, then they can be fined by the council.

“Anyone caught driving on the land will be dealt with by police for traffic offences. Vehicles may also be seized.”

Our partners at the county and district councils gave officers an update on their work around fly-tipping on the Common. They are also reviewing how security in the area can be improved and to help prevent future incidents and identify offenders.

Police will continue meetings with partners about the damage caused to Hartlebury Common in the coming weeks and months.

Anyone who witnesses anyone driving off-roaders or road vehicles on the site is encouraged to report it to us via 101 or our website at Report a crime | West Mercia Police .