On Saturday 22nd March 2025, the Rural Task Force took part in #OP DRAGSTER, a joint operation with GMP targeting illegal off road biking in our rural areas. The operation consisted of both liveried and unmarked police vehicles, as well as police off road bikers from GMP’S Spec Ops team.

During the operation, 3 riders were stopped and detained on LEE MILL QUARRY, BACUP and their off road bikes seized. All 3 riders were from the Merseyside area and were issued with community protection warnings. Their bikes are unlikely to see the light of day ever again.

Those riding on our moorland are often the same offenders riding off road bikes antisocially on our roads. Lancashire have acquired our own fleet of off road bikes specifically to target those offenders and will continue to collaborate with neighbouring forces and the National Police Air Service to target, deter and punish those that abuse our rural areas.