A CRACKDOWN has been launched on teenage quad bikers who are bringing misery to walkers and farmers in East Renfrewshire.

The louts, some as young as 12, are flocking to Barrhead from Glasgow and Lanarkshire at weekends to ride their machines without permission on private land and open countryside.

Most of the illegal activity on the four-wheeled machines centres around Caplethill Road and the Dams to Darnley Country Park.

Police say the bikers are putting themselves and local people at risk by driving around the popular local beauty spots at high speed.

Residents have complained about the noise and abusive behaviour of the youngsters, who are also driving two-wheeled motorbikes.

Glasgow Times:

Farmers say crops are being ruined by quad bikes that churn up the soil.

Sergeant David McClounie is part of the Greater Glasgow Divisional Violence Reduction Unit, which has been drafted in as part of an action plan to clamp down on the antisocial behaviour.

His team ride specialist motorcycles that enable them to pursue offenders across rough terrain.

Sgt McClounie said: “None of the farmers in and around Barrhead have given permission for their land to be used.

“There have been a number of incidents of quad bikes being operated illegally in Caplethill Road and Dams to Darnley since Christmas. In many cases, they are bikes that have been bought as presents.

“The owners clearly don’t know where they can and can’t ride them but, because of lockdown, they shouldn’t be out and about in public places anyway.”

Offenders are being issued with antisocial behaviour seizure notices.

If they are seen back on a bike within 12 months, the vehicle can be confiscated.
Police can also issue fixed penalty notices for breaking lockdown rules.

Sgt McClounie said bikers are being taken to Barrhead, often by older adults, with their machines in vans or attached to trailers.

He added: “You have people out walking with their families who are coming across up to six bikes at a time.

Glasgow Times:

“The bikers have to realise that what they are doing is very dangerous. If they have a fall or injure someone, it could be very difficult to get an ambulance to them because of the locations.”

Similar problems have been reported in the grounds of nearby Dykebar Hospital, on the Gleniffer Braes and at Whitelee Windfarm, in Eaglesham.

Anyone who has information about illegal activity involving quad bikes is asked to call the police on 101.