Police in South Derbyshire say their new helicopter will be used to deter illegal off-road bikers. Police say riders on open land especially by William Nadin Way and Swadlincote Woodlands will be targeted.
The bikers are blamed for damaging footpaths and plants, scaring animals and causing a noise nuisance to residents and those using the area.
The helicopter, which was officially launched last week, has powerful cameras to search for suspects.
Thermal cameras
Inspector Steve Fairbrother, from Swadlincote Police, explained how the state-of-the-art aircraft makes it easier for the police to respond.
He said: "Often we are reliant on officers being available when complaints come in.
"However the helicopter can make proactive searches, coming down into the area at hotspots we have identified where there are a lot of motorcycles.
"The camera comes not only with a fantastic zoom lense facility but also thermal imagery so there is effectively nowhere to hide."
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