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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Nuisance motorcycles, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Off‑Road Motorbike Seizures, Kemsley Recreation Ground
Following recent increases in anti‑social behaviour involving illegal off‑road motorbikes across Kemsley, Milton Regis, Murston and Milton Creek Country Park, officers carried out targeted activity today at Kemsley Recreation Ground.
After these issues were highlighted to colleagues, officers coordinated a joint approach and shut off all exits from the park, successfully closing in on the group responsible. This resulted in the seizure of two off‑road motorbikes being ridden illegally by a group of young people who had been taking turns riding repeatedly across the public open space.
These bikes and this group are believed to be the same individuals involved in recent incidents at Milton Creek Country Park, contributing to the high volume of ASB reports in those areas.
At the time of the operation, two children were actively riding the bikes. Officers escorted them home and they will attend the police station with their parents to be interviewed under caution.
Further action taken:
One adult has been invited for a voluntary interview for allowing and enabling a minor to ride an unlicenced and uninsured off‑road motorbike on public land, contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Five individuals who had ridden the bikes at some point today were issued Section 59 Police Reform Act 2002 warnings.
Offences Identified
1. No Insurance – Section 143, Road Traffic Act 1988
It is an offence to use or permit the use of a motor vehicle on a road or public place without insurance. Recreation grounds and country parks fall within the legal definition of a public place.
2. Driving Otherwise Than in Accordance With a Licence – Section 87, Road Traffic Act 1988
Children cannot hold a valid motorcycle licence. Riding these bikes on public land is therefore an automatic offence.
3. Permitting These Offences
Any adult who allows a child to ride the bikes commits the corresponding “permitting” offences, carrying the same liability under the Road Traffic Act.
4. Anti‑Social Use of a Motor Vehicle – Section 59 Police Reform Act 2002
The repeated and disruptive riding of these bikes across Kemsley Recreation Ground, Milton Creek Country Park, and nearby areas meets the threshold for anti‑social behaviour powers.
A Section 59 Warning is issued when:
A vehicle is used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance,
and
The rider commits a relevant offence such as no insurance or no licence.
Key points:
The warning lasts 12 months.
It applies to both the individual and the vehicle.
If any similar behaviour occurs again within the 12 months, officers have the power to seize the vehicle immediately.
Seized bikes may be stored, reclaimed through lawful proof of ownership and insurance, or destroyed.
Result
-Two off‑road motorbikes seized.
-Two minors to be interviewed under caution.
-One adult to be interviewed for permitting the illegal use of a vehicle.
-Five individuals issued Section 59 warnings.
Officers identified that this group matches those linked to recent ASB in Milton Creek Country Park, with riders from Kemsley, Milton Regis and Murston. A coordinated police response — closing off all exits and containing the group — led to a successful resolution and directly targets one of the main causes of recent ASB reports and one of the main priorities you the community have raised within the recent surveys.
"You Said, We Did"
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.kent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
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