Spring is now well and truly upon us and thoughts turn to gardening and other outside activities. Some of you may have motorcycles that you ride around at weekends in addition to your usual car.

Unfortunately, CALDICOT and MAGOR are being target ed by motorcycle thieves so always 'chain lock' your motorcycle when leaving it unattended even when it is just for a few minutes outside a shop etc.

As you may be aware, since my last article I've been pay ing particular attention to "off-road motorcyclists" using SLADE WOOD at HIGH MOOR HILL. So far I've caught seven offenders and one who's escaped (don't worry, I'll get him) the seven riders have all been suitably advised and will receive letters from IFTON QUARRY own ers as they've been using the quarry as a 'scrambling course'.

What has become obvious, however, is that there are no local facilities for these riders and that there is a very large number of them. It is estimated at least a hundred in the CALDICOT and MAGOR area! Everyone of them has been courteous and under standing and they obviously invest a large amount of time and money into their machines and sport.
Enquiries are now being made by several persons regarding establishing a permanent authorised "off-road" site where these people can prac tice their sport. My personal view is that it would be safer and better to establish such a site. I believe that it is also better if youngsters channel their energies into this rather than loiter around bored and get into the drinking, fighting and drug scenes. Most of these young riders are, unfortunately, unaware of their legal obligations regarding using their motorbikes, which I will now outline.

If your off-road bike is adapted for use on the public road, that is, has a registered number plate fitted on the rear etc, you must still have insurance, MOT certificate if required and also a valid road tax disc and must wear a crash helmet.

If you have an off-road bike that has not been adapted for use on a public road, then you must do the following: The bike must not be ridden or pushed on any public or private road where the public has access. This includes any pavement!
The motorcycle must be transported on any public road on a trailer or in a van, lorry etc. If you ride the bike, even with permission, on public land then you must have liability insurance. It is strongly recommended that you have full liability insurance under all circumstances. If you have an accident and injure anyone then it is highly likely that you will be sued for damages. (Remember the slogan "WHERE THERE'S BLAME THERE'S A CLAIM - NO WIN NO FEE".)
A successful claim for a serious personal injury would almost certainly cost you your house if you do not have sufficient liability insurance.
I also advise riders to have mobile phones on them at all times in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Finally, CALDICOT POLICE STATION is now working dif ferent shifts.
Officers now do ten and nine-hour shifts which should result in more continuity and less "JET LAG" from the previous pattern which, it appears, was not lawful...!

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