New force-wide operation launches to tackle motorcycle-related criminality

Riders will be arrested with motorbikes seized and crushed.

Riders will be arrested with motorbikes seized and crushed.

That’s the message from Northumbria Police as a new force-wide operation launches to strengthen the response to tackling motorcycle-related criminality and anti-social behaviour.

Launched this month, Operation Capio aims to disrupt and prevent anti-social motorcycle use across the region, with a focus on identifying prolific nuisance riders and seizing their vehicles.

The campaign follows a bid submitted through Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness’ office – with £196,000 granted from the Home Office’s Safer Streets funding.

The dedicated operation builds upon recent successful work carried out by police and partners to tackle pockets of disorder and act on the concerns of residents.

This investment will allow for an increase in dedicated activity to target offenders who are causing the most harm – using innovative tactics such as drones to build intelligence and bring those responsible to justice.

In addition, a pilot taskforce covering South Tyneside and Sunderland has also been set-up as part of the wider crackdown to specifically target anti-social use of motorcycles in both areas.

Chief Inspector Neil Hall, who is leading on Operation Capio for Northumbria Police, said: “We fully recognise the impact motorcycle disorder can have on residents – with these vehicles often being ridden in a dangerous and anti-social manner.

“We also often find that the riders involved in this type of behaviour are linked to other criminality such as burglary, drug dealing and theft.

“The launch of Operation Capio comes as a direct response to the concerns being raised by residents and will strengthen our approach to fighting crime and keeping people safe.

“It will really build on the great work that is already ongoing to disrupt prolific nuisance riders and take their vehicles off the streets.”

Chief Insp Hall added: “As part of this, we would urge the public to continue to be our eyes and ears out in the community, and work with us to share intelligence as we crackdown on this type of offending.

“If you see something suspicious, please report it to police at the earliest opportunity and share as much detail as possible to help us bring any offenders to justice.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “Efforts to tackle motorbike ASB are being really ramped up. I know it’s an increasing concern for people and I want people to know that tough, robust police action is increasing too.

“We are talking about motorbikes that are unroadworthy, unsafe and that are being used to cause unwelcome behaviour in our communities. If it’s a stolen bike, and we can trace its owner, it will be returned but if you’re riding an off-road bike illegally it’s only a matter of time before officers will catch you and your bike will head off to the crusher.

“My office secured funding specifically to target these reckless riders because we have communities that have had enough. They want it to stop and so do I – the fight is very much on to turn this problem around.”

Officers have urged people to further assist their enquiries by sharing details such as:

• Vehicle registration plate number for offending vehicles
• Time of day and date of incident
• Where the motorcycle was located, and where it was travelling
• Description of riders including how many, clothing worn and helmet or headgear
• Description of the motorcycle(s) involved – including colour, make, model if known – and any other distinctive features

Members of the public can report concerns to Northumbria Police using the ‘Report’ pages of the website, or by calling 101.

In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.