Police raise safety concerns over scrambler and quad bike use near Ballymena church

Green Pastures Church, Ballymena

Police have issued a warning to the public following a concerning rise in anti-social behaviour involving scrambler bikes and quad bikes near Green Pastures Church in Ballymena.

Authorities say they have received multiple reports of off-road vehicles being ridden dangerously on footpaths and car parks surrounding the church grounds during daylight hours.

The activity is said to pose a significant risk to public safety, particularly to children and families who regularly visit the area to use church facilities.

In a statement, police said:

“Scramblers and quads have been riding on footpaths and carparks outside the church during the day. This, needless to say, poses a massive risk to members of the public who frequent the church to enjoy the facilities, many of which are young children.”

The police are appealing directly to those engaging in this behaviour to cease immediately, highlighting the danger posed to both riders and the general public.

“Police would like to appeal to those involved to refrain from riding scramblers and quads in these public areas.”

Local officers are now encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any incidents of illegal or dangerous off-road vehicle use. Anyone witnessing such behaviour or possessing information that could help police tackle the issue is urged to come forward.

“Our aim is to keep everyone within our community safe, so if you see off road vehicles being used illegally or dangerously, or if you have any information which may assist us stopping this behaviour please call 101 or Crimestoppers.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is continuing its efforts to address the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes in public spaces, emphasising the need for responsible use of off-road vehicles and the importance of community cooperation in curbing this trend.