PROPOSAL 1
Take photographs
Go
out armed at all times with a camera (preferably digital),
and be willing and ready to use it to photograph the
number
plate of any
offending vehicle. Set up the camera in advance to maximum
resolution (see your camera's instructions if in doubt), and be
prepared to use it at maximum zoom. Make sure that the flash is turned
off.
Do not try to stop
rogue
motorcyclists;
1. your single objective should
be to gather
the photographic evidence. Trying to stop them confuses the issue
and gets in the way of that objective;
2. you may become
involved in an argument.
Instead, CAMARM suggests that you turn your back to the approach of the
motorbike(s) and concentrate on the back number plate. (Front
number plates are not a legal requirement on motorbikes and are seldom
found, particularly on trail-type motorbikes.) At the
same time try to note and memorise that number plate; it may
help
to inform an unclear or lost photograph.
PLEASE REALISE THAT
THE SAFETY OF YOURSELF AND OF
YOUR COMPANIONS
IS PARAMOUNT.
Be aware that the situation
could
turn nasty if you are noticed. Try, if possible, to take your
photos unobserved, either by position or by method. An example of
position could be from behind a rock or large tree. A possible method
could be "shooting from the hip", although this
requires considerable practice to be sure of hitting your target.
If in any doubt whether the flash is off or not, don't
photograph. Flash is particularly noticeable in wing mirrors.
Ultimately, the balance between your safety and obtaining the
evidence has to be your own decision.
If you do have to speak to motorcyclists in the wrong, remain
courteous; do not get involved in argument; avoid
confrontation.
CAMARM IS NOT TRYING
TO PERSUADE YOU
TO PUT YOURSELF AT RISK.
Take
photographs of the riders as
they are departing, and also as they disappear. These will help to
identify the riders (the number identifies only the bike, not the
rider) and the route by which they leave.
Photograph the setting to fix the location of the
incident. Take note of the date and time; even if your camera has time
stamping, the setting may be wrong.
Give the photographs, with detailed
enlargements if possible, to
your local police station. The police will also need a statement.
Be sure to get
an incident log number; this is both for your own records and to ensure
that your report is properly logged. (But see also Immediate Reporting.)
Be aware, however, that there are off-road routes that are permitted to
motorcyclists. Responsible riding on these routes is a legitimate
activity and those doing so will not welcome being criticised or
photographed without their permission. It is important therefore
to be sure of your own ground and, if you do speak to motorcyclists
off-road, to allow for the possibility that they may well have a
legitimate right to be there. In Cumbria you can find a list of
these routes with maps, on their website at
To be of any value to the police your photographs must show evidence of an offence being committed.
The
photographs can be in printed or disk form, and can
be handed in personally or sent by post. It is unlikely that
any
police station will welcome your photos as
email attachments.
"Rogue motorcyclists
rely for their protection on
speed, anonymity and the isolation of observers."
By taking photographs we can break down the anonymity and provide
identity.
By acting in
concert as a multiplicity of individuals we can overcome the isolation
of walkers.
Since creating this website the immediate reporting of one
particular incident resulted in commendably rapid response from the
local police and the catching of the offenders. This incident has
demonstrated the benefit of immediate reporting and we now strongly
recommend it in addition to the taking of photographs.
PROPOSAL 2
Make contact
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Set
up a network of local residents who are prepared to contact each other
when trail bikes are heading in their direction, so that those in the
line of approach can try to put themselves in likely positions
to
photograph any offending
motorbike as they pass.
"Rogue motorcyclists
rely for their protection on
speed, anonymity and the isolation of observers."
There
is nothing that we can do about the speed at which the bikes travel,
but by providing that vital early warning we can overcome the speed of
their approach.
By setting up
a network of local residents we can overcome the isolation of observers.
This proposal is an attempt to overcome the protection of speed. Early warning of approach
is vital.
PROPOSAL 3
Take friends
NEIGHBOURHOOD CATCH
Get
together with a group of five or six like-minded people who are
prepared to "waste" a day. Take camera, mobile phone, binoculars and
any necessary items of comfort, such as book, picnic and cushion. Place
yourselves at strategic observation points to cover a wide area in
which illegal motorbike activity is likely to occur. Keep in touch and
give early warning of any approaching activity. If approached, act as
for Proposal 1 above.
We advocate this course of action only if there is a strong possibility
of success.
"Rogue motorcyclists
rely for their protection on
speed, anonymity and the isolation of observers."
This Proposal attacks the aspects of speed of approach and isolation. If successful, anonymity can be broken.
PROPOSAL 4
Make waves
Publicise CAMARM. Talk about the campaign,
its aims and its proposals.
Spread the
word. Tell fellow walkers. Take the
campaign home to your own local area.
Download and
distribute our leaflet and flier.
Add a link to
www.CAMARM.info on your own website.
The more that
concerned people
become aware and become involved, the greater will be our success, and
the sooner it will be achieved.
