SYP Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team

18/10/2026

Sorry for the quiet spell on here! We’ve been flat out across the county and beyond tackling off-road bike and quad issues.

> A quick request: If our regular followers can get into the routine of emailing the team directly, we can reply much more promptly—especially if you have images or footage to share:
[email protected]

Issues with quads and bikes continue across all four districts, but we’ve recently been alerted to a specific group of around 15 Enduro bikes.
This group is running across the county up into the Peak District near Redmires Reservoirs, cutting through ancient woodlands and navigating public footpaths along their route. Just this morning, they were spotted in and around Wickersley, Listerdale Woods, and Silverwood Nature Reserve.
These bikes are running without registration plates and—as experience tells us—when we intercept them, they frequently turn out to be stolen, ridden without a license, and completely uninsured.
In the run-up to Christmas, we will be actively waiting for them. With our drone unit overhead and NPAS (National Police Air Service) on standby, we are well-prepared to safely track and intercept this group.
If you're out enjoying an autumn walk and happen to capture them “photo bombing an snap Of your dog” or if they fly past you on the road and you catch them on dashcam, please send the footage/images through to our email.
We’ll make sure their paperwork arrives just in time for the Christmas post! 🎄

06/10/2026

It’s National Badger Day! 🦡

Badgers are one of Britain’s iconic native animals and are protected by law.

Today (6 October) badgers are being celebrated as part of ‘National Badger Day’, but it also gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of the stark reality that we see, of people using dogs to hunt, kill and injure badgers.

We are committed to protecting animals, and work closely with our rural communities, organisations and charities.

Earlier this year, after working with Naturewatch Foundation, we prosecuted two men from Stainforth in Doncaster after they were purposefully using their dogs to hunt and kill wild animals, resulting in them being subjected to fear, pain and distress; they were sentenced to unpaid work.

We can’t tackle rural crime alone, and as we enter the end of autumn, the cut fields, firmer grounds allow those using our rural spaces and off-road vehicles to commit crime greater access. We need your eyes and ears to help us.

As the darker evenings draw in, please remember to report any suspicious activity, looking for:

Vehicles near to woodland at night
Dogs with unexplained facial injuries
Freshy dug earth around setts
Groups carrying lamps and digging tools

On National Badger Day we thank everyone who supports us in protecting the wildlife and beautiful spaces across South Yorkshire

01/10/2026

When any part of the country faces issues, or a force may be experiencing national significant, policing comes together as a whole, with the same goal, to protect and serve the public.

Recently we provided mutual aid to Cleveland Police, who despite the tragic loss of two officers recently, continue to serve their communities with courage and determination.

We were requested to go to Cleveland as part of their Operation Artemis, disrupting organised and serious crime.

As you’ll read below, we were seen to cause ‘quite a stir’ and ensured that the folk of Cleveland understand our passion and zero tolerance no matter whether that be in South Yorkshire or nationally against those involved in criminality using off-road bikes to commit crime and cause harm.

Following the operation, local Cleveland resident James Elliot contacted our force to say thank you.

His compliment read: “I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to your force.

“During the recent unrest, seeing South Yorkshire Police officers and vehicles deployed into our communities alongside Cleveland Police provided immense reassurance.

“Having your presence actively patrolling and visible around our local area has made our streets feel so much safer and brought peace of mind to the neighbourhood during an unsettling time.

“Stepping in to support a neighbouring force under such challenging and demanding conditions does not go unnoticed. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the officers and support staff who travelled up to help protect our streets.

Their professionalism, dedication, and visible presence have made a real, positive difference to us. Please take care and stay safe out there on our streets.”

We really appreciate it when people take the time to say thank you, it doesn’t go unnoticed 💙

The head of Redcar and Cleveland’s policing district has thanked everyone for their support and help during Operation Artemis on Monday 21 September.

Redcar and Cleveland Police District Commander Superintendent Daryll Tomlinson said: “Monday’s Operation Artemis was our biggest yet to date, with over 130 officers from forces across the country, the National Crime Agency and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit stepping up to help us tackle criminals in the area.

“We were supported by Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland and his team, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Cleveland Fire Brigade UK and local housing associations.

“I just want to say a huge thank you, on behalf of the force, to everyone who took part in this operation, to every Cleveland officer who stepped up, and to every officer from around the country who provided mutual aid, in particular the off-road bike team from South Yorkshire Police who caused a stir in South Bank, Grangetown and Eston on Monday night.

“Thank you to our ‘partners in crime’, the National Crime Agency and NEROCU, and our local partners for your assistance.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to our communities in Redcar and Cleveland. Thanks for your support over the last four weeks, for providing us with information on those causing harm in your community and thank you for working with us.

“Together, we can tackle criminal behaviour and make this area a safer place for all of us.”

20/08/2026

BUSTED IN BOSTON.

Sorry we haven't been putting much out recently its been a busy summer. More posts to follow.

For anyone worried that I am wasting their taxes don't worry, I am writing this from a static bike at the gym.

So a few weeks ago we were out in the Rotherham area, when a traffic car spotted a group of Surrons riding contraflow into traffic. They were goading the traffic car into a chase.

Anyone still believe in Darwinism ? It clearly wasnt in play as the Goonies disappeared into the ether.

Our Sgt had a hunch that they may be in Boston Castle Park, this was owing to continued complaints from people there.

Sure enough these late night philosopher's were rolling a fat one ready to ponder quantum mechanics, when we rolled into the park.

Unfortunately our WR450's are not particularly discreet.

Like a scene from close encounters, they starburst into the woods, leaving backy, rizzla and their w**d on the bench.

Unfortunately for Mr Fox here his night vision wasnt quite so keen as he plowed into some brambles, with a WR450 neatly pinning his bike to the floor.

Ouch, ouch, ouch is all we could think as he valiantly fought his way through the heavy brambles and nettles.

Tracksuit in tatters, one thinks he may have got a new JD bag to strap to his back the following day, that and maybe some Savlon.

Bike seized and now scrapped, battery out and frame crushed. No you wont find this in an auction. All bikes seized that are not registered for the road are now scrapped.

17/08/2026

Thankfully we were able to bring this incident to safe conclusion, but the driver, who was actually a 15 year-old boy put himself, other innocent people and himself at risk.

We also found weapons in the car.

16/07/2026

Bawtry, Doncaster last summer…it's been to court so we can now share…

We supported our colleagues from Nottinghamshire Police who had been investigating reports of bike thefts in their area. They were already supported by NPAS overhead and following direction towards an area for patrol we located this bike. It was not subequently linked to theft offences by Notts but SYP were able to assist in detaining them for their driving offences.

This one sat in the middle of a field waiting for NPAS to use up their fuel! Quote: “Traffic Coppers can never get us when we are on bikes and the planes only got so much fuel.”

Top marks for riding the moped on knobblies in a field whilst on the phone to his Gert.

For copyright reasons, we can't put Sir David Attenborough's voiceover on, but we will leave you to imagine it. For a starter, we suggest…

“Watch as the young moto-gazelle realises his days basking in the Bawtry sun are drawing to an end. His predatory days of targeting vulnerable bikers in Nottingham are soon to be over. He bleats to his chosen mate a chosen few words of bravado, before trying one last effort to outrun the predators. He is now very much their prey. After passing over the narrowest of footbridges as 40mph, clipping his knuckles, His skill and luck run out simultaneously, and he deposits himself into the waiting foliage to be pounced on by the pursuing Greater Blue Breasted Field Sharks.”

He was caught, after making his acquaintance with a hawthorn bush, and arrested. Ouch!! It was 30 degrees, and he had glasses on, a balaclava, and a helmet with a visor! Warrrrrrrmmm!

The adult male received a 12-month Rehabilitation Order, a 12-month driving ban, and £250 in fines for failing to stop and dangerous driving.

15/07/2026

Three Awards and a 'Dakar' Summer: An Update from the Team…

While we still have our sights firmly set on a Pulitzer Prize, we’ve managed to scoop a few other honors in the meantime! We are incredibly proud to announce that the team has taken home three major awards recently:
South Yorkshire Emergency Services: Team of the Year (for our joint work with the Barnsley Safer Neighbourhood Police tackling bike-enabled and rural crime).
Operational Support Unit: Team of the Year.
Barnsley Police District: Problem Solving Award (jointly won earlier this year with NPT teams and the council).
Our model in Barnsley is now being replicated county-wide over the coming months as we step up our efforts and use every tool at our disposal. These awards are a first for the team, and they truly mean the world to us. To everyone who took the time to nominate us: thank you.

"Fly-Tipping Clearance" & The Maltby Desert
We urgently need to source some shelving for this new silverware, so we’ve been patrolling the rural lanes, scouring those "free to a good home" furniture piles that people kindly keep dumping in the middle of the road. No shelves yet, but we have found plenty of discarded items with names and addresses on them to follow up on. How thoughtful.
Aside from the fly-tipping, patrol has been punishingly hot these past few weeks. Gym memberships are on hold; instead, it's just heavy rucksacks full of water and endless dust. Crossing the plains of Maltby has felt less like South Yorkshire and a lot more like the Dakar Rally.

A Serious Note on Crop Fires
The ground out there is tinder-dry. We are seeing a rising number of farm crop fires every day, and unfortunately, the majority appear to be deliberate. With winds whipping up the flames, the risk to life and livelihoods couldn't be clearer.

Advice for Farmers: If these extreme heatwaves are the new normal, we have to adapt. Please consider leaving active fire breaks in your crops when re-planting to help slow the spread if the worst happens.

🚫 To the "Dog Men": Quad Season is Open
As the harvest wraps up over the next few weeks, we know we'll see the unwanted return of the poachers—the characters who think it's acceptable to terrorize wildlife with bull lurchers and stolen farm quads.
Just a specific note to that crowd: we have changed our shift patterns to match the season.
While you think you’re operating in the dark, our network of local landowners standing up to your illegal activity grows stronger every day. You are up against more eyes on the ground, more trained officers, more drones, more thermal scopes, and more wildlife cameras than ever before. We have dedicated patrol time just for you. Keep your eyes peeled; we are lurking in the shadows, too.
Finally, shame about the match result tonight. On the bright side, our shifts will revert back to normal now—which means less time dealing with standard weekend aggregate behavior in the town centers, and a lot more time out on rural patrol doing what we do best.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and keep looking out for one another

14/07/2026

Some of the results from one of our recent operations with the Sheffield South East NPT and SYP Operational Support 👇🏼

NEWS: Efforts to crackdown on rural criminality continue

Rural crime remains a priority issue for our officers who continue to intensify efforts to intercept offenders who exploit rural areas to commit crime or move illicit gains.

As part of this work the SYP Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team were joined by neighbourhood officers, roads policing team and the safety camera partnership for ‘Operation Hawthorne’, carried out last Tuesday (7 July) in Sheffield.

Officers began the day by visiting farms across west Sheffield and spoke with business owners and residents about the Rural Crime Initiative, a partnership funding programme designed to help rural communities invest in crime prevention and support efforts to better protect their land and property.

As the day continued officers conducted vehicle and speed checks across the area.

🚙 Two cars were seized and the drivers processed for driving without insurance.

🚫 One driver was arrested for driving while over the limit for alcohol, blowing 190 at the roadside, with the legal limit being 35.

🚫 Speed checks identified 27 drivers speeding excessively in 30 miles per hour areas, with the highest speed being 42 miles per hour. All drivers will receive a letter in the post.

🚫 Speed checks were also conducted outside of schools on Ringinglow Road, and 30 vehicles travelling in excess of the 20 miles per hour speed limit were given warnings.

Inspector of the motorcycle and rural crime team, Kieran Frain explains more on our website- https://orlo.uk/Dsu4f

13/07/2026

Well this last week has certainly left me questioning my life choices lol. 36 degree heat in full bike kit .

For the haters, I am not writing this in work time, don't worry I am not spending your hard earned money, while I could be fighting crime. I am off work at home paying myself.

We can't update you on everything we have been doing last week unfortunately. This is due to ongoing investigations, secret squirrel stuff and all that. 🐿️

However, I can give you a quick snap shot of one evening in our beloved Donvegas.

We had literally just arrived and we spot a red 4x4 in company with a white van.

The cheech and chong was strong 💪. Both vehicles stopped.

On enquiring with the driver of the van as to its providence he eloquently stated.

"I'VE JUST NICKED IT."

Say what now.

"I'VE JUST NICKED IT."

Sure enough it was actually stolen, not sure if it's the heat or a new strain of truth cannabis, but we will take it. If only every investigation was so easy..

In the van a bum bag filled with cannabis was also seized..

Off to the cells bruce, see ya later.

Next up following continued issues with diesel thefts in the Doncaster area we travelled to Highfields.

We weren't on the trail long, before we rooted out these three trailers. Filled with barrels, syphoning gear, a battery and a pump mixed with the aroma of diesel it didn't take Sherlock to figure out the puzzle.

All three trailers seized used in crime.

We then responded to a rather bizarre incident involving two mobility scooters where the riders were reportedly shooting at wildlife.

Sure enough as we came off of Pastures Lane, Doncaster, there we see two mobility scooters.

One clearly in possession of a r***e case.

Hilariously the first mobility scooter tries to make off.

"XS XS THIS IS LORS1 WE HAVE A VEHICLE FAILING TO STOP. ITS A BIT OF A STRANGE ONE, SPEED IS 5 MPH. VEHICLE IS NOT ACCELERATING AWAY FROM ME. ACTUALLY IVE GOT OFF THE BIKE, ITS A STOP STOP LOL 😆 "

Whilst chatting to the rider of mobility scooter number two, the one with the air r***e, he jumps up from the scooter and starts protesting his innocence.

Hmmm not sure you should be so sprightly if you need that my friend.

Air r***e found to be loaded but not one in the chamber. While conducting a search of the male. Turns out he is wanted.

The chap clearly knows that something is afoot, boom like a whippet out of the traps, Mr mobility scooter is the next Usain Bolt. Like a gazelle he's off and scales an 8 foot wall into gardens.

Clearly loaded, he continues to hedge hop back onto the main road where he was detained between some garages. Can't out run a big 4 fiddy pal.

The old busted bracelet's make an appearance and are slapped on said wrists.

Clearly this gent's pace may have been helped by some tweaking dust, any higher and he may have required wings.

I am not sure who he was looking at, but it may have been through space and time.

Another one off to custody. A further search whilst in hotel Donvegas revealed a small amount of class A.

DWP forms submitted, might be worth a check what this upstanding gent is claiming.

Not wanting to miss out on the power of the class 2 we swapped out the 450 and kindly took our tweakers steed back home.

Team out.

03/07/2026

Can you help us?

APPEAL: Do you know the rider of this bike?

We would like to speak to the rider of this off-road bike in connection to an investigation of anti-social driving in the Harthill area of Sheffield.

It is alleged that on 20 June, a rider and passenger on an off-road bike were riding across farmer’s fields with no permission from the landowner.

We are now asking for anyone with information about the rider of the photographed bike to come forward and assist us with our investigation.

Can you help? Please get in touch online, via live chat or by calling 101 quoting incident number 797 of 20 June 2026.

Our online reporting portal can be found here- https://orlo.uk/s3vtS