Off road nuisance bikers targeted in anti-social behaviour crackdown

A number of off-road bikes have been seized following a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent.

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

On Tuesday (6 June), we carried out a proactive operation in Longton and issued 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 anti-social behaviour in the area was also found.

We also gave out penalty notices after a 5-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.

Part of this work will see us continuing to increase patrols around hotspot areas and seizing bikes which are used to commit ASB in the locality.

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

Inspector Mark Burslem, of the Stoke South 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.”

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.