Illegal off-road vehicles to be seized on the spot as police warn of 'long walk home'
North Wales Police have announced they will immediately seize off-road vehicles involved in anti-social behavior or habitat damage under new legislative powers. This enforcement follows a recent conviction of three men who caused irreversible damage to the Berwyn Site of Special Scientific Interest using 4x4 vehicles. Authorities attribute the rise in incidents to social media promotion, which attracts drivers from across the UK to fragile protected areas.
- ▪New powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 allow police to seize vehicles on the spot without prior warning.
- ▪Three men were convicted in August for causing irreversible damage to the Berwyn SSSI, resulting in fines and driving disqualifications.
- ▪Natural Resources Wales stated that the destroyed peatland represented approximately 400 years of natural growth.
- ▪Police believe social media is a primary driver for the increase in off-roading incidents, with offenders traveling from as far as London.
- ▪Reports of damage from e-bikes and general anti-social behavior, such as illegal fires and waste dumping, are also rising in the region.
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| Original publisher | BBC News — UK |
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| Publication time | Sun, 20 Sep 2026 20:41:28 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-20T20:48:47.072Z |
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Illegal off-road vehicles to be seized on the spot as police warn of 'long walk home'Image source, NRW / TikTokImage caption, TikTok accounts linked to one group of off-roaders showed images and videos of damage being caused to ancient peatlandsByBrendon WilliamsBBC WalesPublished7 minutes agoPolice say off-road drivers causing anti-social behaviour or damage to protected habitats will have their vehicles seized "on the spot".PC Eryl Lloyd, of North Wales Police's rural crime team, said new powers allowed officers to take vehicles without notice, and warned offending drivers: "It's a long walk home."Both the force and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said damage caused by off-roading incidents and other anti-social behaviour was on the rise.
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