POLICE are investigating after reports of fencing and signage being damaged near to green lanes in the west of the Island.

In two cases damage has been caused to fencing, owned by the Forestry Amenity and Lands Directorate, in areas only accessible by green lanes.

Between November 1 and November 16 sections of a wooden fence and a road closure sign, which were located at the junction of the Baltic Road and Slieau Curn Road, were smashed and driven over.

The fencing and sign had been placed out as part of the green lane seasonal closure. Police have said this is a remote location and is only accessible by the green lanes.

In the second incident, which occurred between November 12 and November 20, fencing was broken to the side of the locked gate to Beckswiths Mine in Glen Rushen.

There was also evidence that motorcycles had accessed the disused mine workings via the broken fencing and been scrambling around the area.

Damage consistent with motorcycle and four wheel drive vehicle use was also caused to the open heathland outside the entrance to the mine.

PC Ian Scott from the Western Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Although both of these areas are remote they are in frequent use from many persons accessing the areas legitimately both on foot and with vehicles and I would appeal to anyone witnessing such behaviour to report it.

"I would also like to remind people that aside from the obvious acts of vandalism to the fencing and signs it is an offence to drive on closed roads or drive a vehicle without lawful authority on any open land. Offenders can expect to face prosecution."

Anyone with information on these acts of criminal damage is asked to contact PC Ian Scott at Peel Police Station on 01624 842208.