POLICE are warning people not to ride off-road bikes or drive 4x4s on Hartlebury Common after extensive damage was caused at the beauty spot.
West Mercia Police issued the warning after recent reports of damage to the landscape which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Heartless riders on quad bikes and drivers in cars have been ripping up the land and, to make matters worse, there have also been incidents of fly-tipping.
The force, working with its partners at Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council, Droitwich Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and Wyre Forest SNT, met at the site this week to assess the damage and continue with joint efforts to protect it.
Sgt Cathy Atkinson, from Droitwich SNT, whose team area includes the parts of the Common affected, said: “We have reviewed the damage caused to the site, caused by off road bikes and 4×4 vehicles, as well as the fly tipping and discussions were held about protecting the land, working together with support from partners.
“Further visits and patrols will be conducted, and we are warning members of the public that if anyone is witnessed causing damage to the land, then they can be fined by the council.
“Anyone caught driving on the land will be dealt with by police for traffic offences. Vehicles may also be seized.”
West Mercia Police said its partners at the county and district councils gave officers an update on their work being undertaken around fly-tipping on the Common.
They are also reviewing how security in the area could be improved and to help prevent future incidents and identify the perpetrators.
Police said they would continue meetings with partners about the damage caused to Hartlebury Common in the coming weeks and months.
Anyone who witnesses anyone driving off-road or road vehicles on the site is encouraged to report it by calling 101.
Always call 999 at the time if a crime is being committed.
