POLICE in Teignbridge say they aim to increase patrols when possible after an incident of illegal off-road motoring at a local quarry,

Officers with the Rural Teignbridge Policing Team recently attended an incident involving persons driving four-by-four vehicles gaining unauthorised access to a quarry to engage in off-road motoring.

Three vehicles were racing around the dirt tracks.

One vehicle was seized, and two drivers were issued with Section 59 warning notices for driving in an anti-social manner.

The section 59 warning means if either vehicle is seen driving in an anti-social manner again or if either driver is seen driving any vehicle in an anti-social manner, the vehicle can be seized.

A spokesperson for the Rural Teignbridge Policing Team said: ‘Illegally accessing any site would be at least a trespass offence, but may also involve criminal damage or other offences.

‘You also leave yourself open to the anti-social behaviour process.

‘Quarries in particular can be very dangerous places to access with often unseen hazards.

‘Please if you engage in off roading activity in any vehicle, do not access private land without the owner’s permission.

‘Remember your vehicle must be road worthy to drive on any highway including green lanes.

‘Respect others using the area who may be on foot, a bicycle or horse’.

In the wake of the incident, officers say that, when possible, they aim to increase patrols.

A spokesperson for Devon & Cornwall Police said: ‘Please report any incidents using 101 or via the website if an ongoing issue, or via the emergency telephone 999 if the offence is occurring in front of you.

‘Try to make a note of as much information as you can, including registration number, time, place, description of driver, as well as any phone or dashcam footage you might have.

‘Personal safety will always be paramount, and please report it to us rather than challenging individuals yourself’.