POLICE have stepped up patrols on the Malvern Hills after reports of mountain bikers acting anti-socially at British Camp last week.
Officers said they regularly ride across the hills as part of their usual patrols and abusive and offensive language to other users of the hills would not be tolerated.
Some of the patrols are carried out on bikes and others on foot – especially in areas where bikes are not permitted.
Police have been liaising with members of the Malvern Hills Trust who regularly have cause to advise mountain bikers they are not on the correct paths. Unfortunately they are often met with abuse.
Officers said: “It is appreciated that occasionally cyclists do accidently stray from the approved areas for bikes but we would encourage cyclists to familiarise themselves with the maps of the hills that available for free from the Malvern Hills Trust.
“And if they are asked to not cycle in an area, they need to appreciate appreciate the Malvern Hills Trust staff are just doing their job and are enforcing the restrictions to keep the hills maintained and safe for everyone to enjoy.”
PC Dave Olczak patrolled the length of the hills this morning, including the lower section of British Camp and popped into Eastnor Deer Park grounds to check in on the Malverns Classic Mountain Bike Festival.
There he offered some crime prevention advice to bike owners and to patrol the hills around the Deer Park where the races are taking place, ensuring there were no issues up there.
Officers added: “We are pleased to report that everyone was in good spirits and behaving themselves.”
