Launch of Operation Transom in Stoke-on-Trent

Operation Transom has been launched to provide a partnership approach to tackling the use of nuisance bikes in readiness for the summer holidays.

Local officers are working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team to target those who are damaging public green spaces and putting the public at risk through the illegal use of off-road motorbikes.

Part of this work will see us continuing to increase patrols around hotspot areas and seizing bikes which are used to commit anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the locality. Signs have also been put up in these locations by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to inform people of the laws that give police the power to seize vehicles that are being driven in a way that causes, or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance.

Reports of nuisance bikers usually increase during the summer and hotter periods but incidents still happen year-round and remain a concern for residents and businesses who are repeatedly affected.

A previous proactive operation in Longton resulted in the issuing of fixed penalty notices for a number of offences, including driving without a licence, no insurance and no tax, as well as an arrest for driving whilst under the influence of cocaine and cannabis.

One particular bike which was involved in previous reports of ASB in the area was also found.

We also gave out penalty notices after a five-year-old child was found, unsecured, on one of the bikes, as well as a seizure after one was being driven in an anti-social manner.

Sergeant Jonathan Tench, of the Stoke North LPT, said: “Tackling reports of anti-social behaviour remains a neighbourhood priority for the team and nuisance bikers are no different.

“They can be a constant source of concern within our communities and can put both the public and those riding them in danger, which we simply do not tolerate.

“As well as the enforcement activity taking place, we are educating parents on the legislation and dangers related to these bikes. It is important that they know that it is illegal to ride off-road bikes on any public spaces in Stoke-on-Trent. This includes parks, pavements, waste grounds or parkways.”

Councillor David Williams, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for communities, education and safety, said: “Residents regularly contact me and other councillors about safety in their communities, and I want to reassure residents that we take this very seriously and community safety is our priority.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in Staffordshire Police to gather the evidence around this behaviour and will look to take any action we can when individuals are identified. Alongside the police-led action regarding the seizing and destruction of the vehicles, we will look to take tenancy enforcement action, when the individuals are identified as council tenants or who are linked to our properties. This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and action will be taken in support of residents and communities.”

If you need to report nuisance bikes in your area, email Stoke-on-Trent City Council at [email protected]

Incidents which are happening live should be reported to us through Live Chat on our website – www.staffordshire.police.uk – or by calling 101.