News
Motorbike menaces targeted
Dated: 27 Apr 2012
[View Full Size]Police in Northumberland have teamed up with partners to put the brakes on nuisance bikers.
Officers from the Cramlington Neighbourhood Policing Team are working alongside Homes for Northumberland to leaflet drop residents.
These allow people to put forward information in relation to nuisance and disorderly motorbike riders anonymously so that appropriate action can be taken.
The initiative coincides with ongoing work to combat motorbike menaces. Patrols have been stepped up to target bikers which has resulted in several stops by police.
Section 59 notices are being issued to anyone found riding their motorbike carelessly. These warn riders that if they continue to drive anti-socially or dangerously their vehicle will be seized. One quad bike has already been seized by the team.
Cramlington Neighbourhood Sergeant, Michael Aspey, said: "We know this issue causes concern in our communities which is why we are actively targeting nuisance riders along with our partners.
"While these bikes may look like fun, they are dangerous when used in areas where there are pedestrians - not only for members of the public, but for the riders also.
"We will not hesitate in uplifting vehicles that are being used in an anti-social manner and will continue to increase patrols.
"Appropriate action will also be taken against riders if their vehicle is being used illegally."
Colin Blackett, safer neighbourhoods manager at Homes for Northumberland, said: "Keeping our communities safe is a key priority for us and this project enables both Northumbria Police and Homes for Northumberland to work in tandem, targeting the people who are causing our community problems.
“Nuisance riders can cause a real concern for the local community and we will take appropriate action against Northumberland County Council tenants involved in any anti-social activities.
“If anyone has any information on problem riders where they live then contact the police or our team and we'll do everything we can to stamp this issue out."
The public are being asked for their continued help by providing information that can be acted on by police.
Sgt Aspey added: "I would urge people to continue providing us with information so we can target motorbike riders, seize bikes and prosecute riders.
"This includes descriptions of the bikes and their riders such as their clothing."
People can contact police on 101, extension 69191 or via the Northumbria Police website, www.northumbria.police.uk.
CSOs Jonathan Storey and Liam Dixon pictured with seized bikes