Illegal off-roading on Salisbury Plain targeted in joint operation
Police and military unite to enforce safety and tackle illegal activity
A coordinated operation known as Operation Aston has been conducted on the Salisbury Plain Military Training Area to address illegal and dangerous off-roading activities.
The operation took place on Saturday (11/4), involving officers from the Wiltshire Police Rural Crime Team, the Warminster, Devizes, and Tidworth Neighbourhood Policing Teams. Collaborating with Salisbury Plain Land Operations and the Royal Military Police, the joint effort aimed to tackle ongoing issues related to the violation of byelaws by off-road drivers and riders.
Insp Andy Lemon, the rural crime operational lead for Wiltshire Police, emphasised the importance of the partnership approach to maintaining safety in the area.
“Not only does our presence allow us to catch people engaged in illegal activity, it also acts as a strong deterrent," Insp Lemon said. "Salisbury Plain is first and foremost a military training area, but it is also a place where families walk, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Illegal off-roading endangers the public, disrupts military training and shows complete disregard for the safety of others.”
During the operation, officers were deployed to strategic locations known for persistent illegal activity. The interventions resulted in the discovery of five motorbikes and two cars without registration plates near Erlestoke. Additionally, a suspected drink driver was stopped and interviewed, but no offences were found.
The officers also supported Salisbury Plain Training Area staff with reports of off-road bikes in a no-public-access zone, identifying two further incidents of illegal activity in a frequently used area by off-roaders.
Insp Lemon highlighted the importance of such operations, noting that they provide opportunities to engage with legitimate users of the Plain.
“Operations like this are vital in protecting both the public and the integrity of military training on the Plain,” he said. “Our joint presence sends a clear message that dangerous and unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated."
Insp Lemon expressed appreciation for the majority of responsible users, stating, “We know the vast majority of people who use the Plain do so responsibly, and many told us they welcome this kind of operation. Our aim is to keep everyone safe — whether they’re training, walking their dog or enjoying the countryside — and to make sure a small minority don’t spoil it for everyone else.”