East Ayrshire Police Officers initiate quad bike patrols to tackle rural crime

The quad bikes, which are supplied as part of a joint initiative with East Ayrshire Council, are now accessible to specially trained officers and can be rapidly deployed across the local authority area to prevent and detect a variety of crimes, including fly tipping, thefts of high value machinery, fuel theft and wildlife crime. The Council's Corporate Enforcement Officers have also been trained in order to facilitate joint patrols for maximum effect.

Chief Inspector Meikle, Area Commander, East Ayrshire, commented: “I welcome the addition of the quad bikes for use by Locality Policing Officers in East Ayrshire, which will be an excellent tactical option in the prevention and detection of crimes and offences, patrolling areas which, due to their location, are often difficult to access using police vehicles.  Officers have already been conducting joint patrols and targeting Anti-Social Behaviour.”​

Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Older People and Community Safety said: “East Ayrshire’s unspoilt scenery plays a vital role in encouraging people to enjoy our region and support businesses, but this can only happen if areas of beauty remain in their original pristine state. 

“We live in a beautiful rural area and are working hard with our partners within Police Scotland, to target environmental crime. The introduction of quad bikes will allow the Police, the Council’s Corporate Enforcement Unit and Outdoor Services team to carry out patrols and investigations targeting rural crime. This means that rural crime is no longer ‘hidden’ and environmental criminals are more likely to be detected. We have already had considerable success discovering fly tipping sites and have detected alleged offenders with enforcement action underway. 

“Together we want to stamp out environmental crime. We live in a beautiful rural area with wonderful tourism opportunities and joint initiatives like this will help tackle rural and environmental crime and help keep East Ayrshire clean, green and vibrant.”

Police and East Ayrshire Council have also been supported in this initiative by HMP Kilmarnock and the quad patrols will also include the prison’s perimeter, to prevent drugs and other contraband being introduced into the prison grounds.