POLICE are to patrol the North York Moors with National Park Rangers in a bid to combat the problem of off-road bikers damaging the environment.

In recent months there has been an increased number of complaints made to the National Park Ranger Service about off-road motorcyclists ignoring signs banning them from trails.

Photographs of bikers riding around Chop Gate, on the North York Moors, have been released by Stokesley Police, who want to speak to them about recent damage.

Officers are asking for the people shown in the images – who may recognise themselves from the bikes and clothing – to contact them.

They are also asking members of the public to contact them if they can help identify the riders.

Sergeant Nick Hill, of Stokesley Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear of behaviour like this which has caused damage to the national park and damage to the reputation of off-road motorcycling and of all those who lawfully participate in it.

“Over the coming months we will be carrying out joint patrols in the area with national park rangers to target poor rider behaviour, checking for vehicle defects and document checks to address antisocial and illegal riding.”

A spokesman for the National Park Ranger Service said while many off-road motorcyclists stuck to the designated routes, they were determined to clamp down on those that didn’t.

He said: “While many off-road motorcyclists are respectful of others and the countryside by sticking to recognised routes where they are permitted to ride, we will not tolerate anyone who has disregard for the environment and legislation. We will work closely in partnership with local police to deal with those responsible.”

There have also been problems in the past with drivers illegally using 4X4s on public bridleways elsewhere in the North York Moors and damaging ancient stone pathways.

In one incident they dislodged and cracked an historic stone pathway through East Arncliffe Wood, near Glaisdale, which winds through picturesque woodland for nearly a mile and is part of the long distance coast-to-coast and Esk Valley walks.

The area was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the path - known locally as Monks Trod - was twice turned into a mud bath last year by drivers illegally using 4x4s on it.

They broke up the woodland pathway, churned up the ground and uprooted mature trees.

Anyone with information about off-road motorcycling at Chop Gate which could help to identify the riders, is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for PC Lindsay Kyle, or email lyndsay.kyle@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote incident number 12140189425 when passing on information.