This month I'm going to concentrate on rural motorcycle offences after my usual crime reports.

RECENT CRIME PATTERNS
The crime level in the Caldicot area has recently fallen owing to a couple of our prolific criminals being sentenced to prison. However, visiting criminals are still targeting cars at night in the MAGOR, UNDY and ROGIET area. There has also been a case of a 'bogus official' caller in Caerwent.
If you see anything suspicious going on in the street at night or observe suspicious persons acting as 'officials' then ring 999 straight away. Try and get any registration numbers of the vehicles they are using.

RURAL MOTORCYCLE OFFENCES
Problems are arising with motorcyclists using TRAILS/CROSS COUNTRY and SCRAMBLER type motorcycles in wooded areas and on common land. These powerful machines cause damage to footpaths and bridleways which makes them difficult to use and often leads to destruction by the resulting erosion. Where these motorcycles are used 'off- path' they damage natural habitats and fauna. I have approached the Forestry Commission after it being brought to my attention that SLADE WOOD is being damaged in this way. Attempts have been made to destroy and conceal the public signs prohibiting motorcycling. The Forestry Commission has now informed me that they will actively prosecute the offenders if caught and I will also pursue prosecutions under the Road Traffic Act. I should stress that only a small percentage of motor- cyclists are engaged in this activity.

LEGAL POINTS
1. You still require insurance when riding a motorcycle in any place where the public have access.

2. Offenders can be made liable financially for any damage they cause. This includes injuries to other persons.

3.Motorcyclists must have the permission of the owner to ride on the land, either via a notice, letter or verbally.

If you see anyone riding a motorcycle in woods or on common land who you suspect should not be there, then try and take pho- tos and get a description of the motorbike and clothing. Pay particular attention to any racing numbers on the side or front of the motorbike because it is unlikely that there will be normal number plates fitted. Note, also, the registration number of any vans or trailers that you see because, if the motorbikes aren't registered for road use, they cannot legally be ridden to the wood via a public road!

Always ring the police immediately and if there are officers available we will attend - to ensure a 100 percent conviction we really have to catch the offenders as they often will be wearing full facial crash helmets or masks. If we can't catch them then photos or good descriptions will help us to identic the possible offenders and their machines. I must stress once again that these offenders are only a small percentage of motorcyclists.

Last month I wrote about dogs and a few days later I was bitten by one! The first time in 30 years that I've been bitten. It sneaked up on me from behind whilst I was visiting a local farm - I never stood a chance!
I'm not superstitious but I'm not going to write about guns for a while...!

I'm now off duty for 10 days, but my wife has lots of things for me to do in the garden etc!

I welcome all constructive comments, critical or otherwise, about my articles. If there is any aspect of general criminal law tnat you would like to know about, let me know and I will write an article on it.

A GENERAL REMINDER! If you see any suspicious activity don't worry about 'disturbing the police'.

Please just dial Caldicot Police Station on 01291-430999 or 999 straight away. Remember, your efforts can make a real difference.

Ashley Turner

PC 737, Community Police Constable