POLICE have cracked down on illegal off-roading across Salisbury Plain Military Training Area in a major joint operation targeting dangerous driving and byelaw breaches.

Operation Aston, carried out on Saturday (April 11), brought together officers from Wiltshire Police’s Rural Crime Team, neighbourhood teams from Warminster, Devizes and Tidworth, as well as Salisbury Plain Land Operations and the Royal Military Police.

The coordinated effort focused on tackling persistent issues with illegal off-road vehicles – a problem officers say puts both the public and military personnel at risk.

Following a morning briefing, teams were deployed to known hotspots, including areas near Erlestoke.

During the operation, officers located five motorbikes and two cars without registration plates.

They also stopped a suspected drink driver, who was later found to be compliant with no offences identified.

Further incidents of illegal activity were uncovered in restricted areas, including a no public access zone where off-road bikes had been reported.

Insp Andy Lemon, Wiltshire Police’s rural crime operational lead, said the operation sent a strong message.

“Not only does our presence allow us to catch people engaged in illegal activity, it also acts as a strong deterrent,” he said.

“Salisbury Plain is first and foremost a military training area, but it is also a place where families walk, relax and enjoy the outdoors.

“Illegal off roading endangers the public, disrupts military training and shows complete disregard for the safety of others.”

He added that partnership working was key to protecting the vast landscape, which is used by both the military and the public.

“Operations like this are vital in protecting both the public and the integrity of military training on the Plain,” he said.

“Our joint presence sends a clear message that dangerous and unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We know the vast majority of people who use the Plain do so responsibly, and many told us they welcome this kind of operation. Our aim is to keep everyone safe – whether they’re training, walking their dog or enjoying the countryside – and to make sure a small minority don’t spoil it for everyone else.”

Police say further operations are likely as efforts continue to clamp down on illegal activity in the area.