This photo (above) shows a number of tacks/nails which had been deliberately spread at Strand Quay in Rye on Sunday, March 14, targeting visiting bikers.
[Editor's note: Reports of this event were also received from Jonathon Davies and Steven Lancaster]
Dangerous and potentially very costly, the perpetrator perhaps felt that this kind of vigilante behaviour was a reasonable reaction to recent complaints about noise. But this kind of response is surely never reasonable, and will possibly exacerbate the problems.
Many serving police officers and firemen are bikers, and I am informed that Kent Fire and Rescue Bike Team are in discussions with local authorities about this incident. Some of Kent Fire and Rescue Bike Team were present at Rye Quay last Sunday and are working in partnership with Kent and Sussex Police.
The malicious and irresponsible behaviour of spreading nails and carpet tacks around the entrance to Strand Quay and the parking area not only endangers the bikers but also pedestrians, children and dogs. A nasty injury could easily be inflicted on feet and paws by treading on a carpet tack.
Damage to motorcycle tyres can not only be costly to repair, but potentially cause terrible accidents, even fatal.
During the afternoon bikers themselves scoured the quay entrance and the parking area collecting more than 100 tacks and nails. Parked motorcycles were also checked for damage to tyres before they left the quay. This kind of public spirited act is more emblematic of Rye, and more typical of the message we want to send to visitors.
