A JOINT operation saw police speak to 15 motorists following reports of illegal activity and antisocial behaviour on Salisbury Plain.

Wiltshire Police’s Rural Crime Team and Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team joined Salisbury Plain Training Area staff and Ministry of Defence Police on June 1 as they worked to reduce incidents of illegal activity carried out by off-roaders and people contravening the byelaws.

As part of Operation Aston, officers spoke to four cyclists and four motorcyclists who were in an out-of-bounds area, two 4×4 drivers and a motorcyclist with no registration plate on his bike.

A warning was also given to a driver of a transit van loaded with illegal motorbikes.

Inspector Andy Lemon, lead of Rural Crime at Wiltshire Police, said: “The Byelaws on Salisbury Plain are there to provide safety to the public. There are signs warning people not to enter areas used for training for their own protection.

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“We use intelligence to target specific areas of the plain that we know are being used illegally. We know that vans are driving onto the Plain carrying motorbikes and that some areas are a magnet for off-roaders, bikes, quads and 4x4s.

“Make sure if you’re going to venture out to Salisbury Plain you do your research and plan your day. Be sure you know where you ARE and ARE NOT allowed to be.”

Inspector Brewster said: “This activity causes nuisance and disruption for the local community. It damages the environment and harms wildlife which is why these restrictions are put in place.

“In addition to this, those involved in this illegal activity put their own lives at risk when they stray into areas of the Plain where the army are carrying out live exercises.

“During the operation officers engaged with members of the public using the byways and footpaths, discussing with them and, where necessary, educating on, safe and legal enjoyment of the area. Most appreciated our presence and efforts to keep the Plain a space for all to safely enjoy.

“We would like to thank our partners for their part in organising this operation and the community who call in this antisocial behaviour activity which helps us build a picture of the extent of the issues and target such offending.”

Find out more about the Byelaws and public rights of way at www.gov.uk/ministry-of-defence-byelaws and www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-access-to-military-areas