Police call for help in summer crackdown on rogue bikers in Hartlepool

Police chief Barry Coppinger, says officers will be paying particular attention to the propblem overf the next two months after reports that Hartlepool residents continue to be plagued by problems.

The Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner’s warning came after the town’s MP Mike Hill wrote to Mr Coppinger asking for an update on a similar initiative launched in Hartlepool two years ago.

He says communities are still being plagued by nuisance bikers.

Mr Coppinger said: “Unfortunately residents continue to get in touch with me about the nuisance and danger posed by off-road crime in their area and regularly raise the issue at community meetings, including two I attended in Hartlepool last week.

“Cleveland Police carry out patrols all year round as part of Operation Endurance, a multi-agency crackdown on nuisance off-road bikers with partners such as Cleveland Fire Brigade, local authorities and housing providers.

“Residents can be assured that during the summer months of July and August officers will be putting additional focus on identifying offenders, seizing vehicles and preventing re-offending.”

In 2016, Cleveland Police launched an initiative with the Safer Hartlepool Partnership with warnings to offenders their bikes could be seized and they could go to court.

Mr Hill said enforcement was focussed in hotspot areas but promised enforcement across the town, including extra patrols.

He said: “In parts of the town this situation still exists and it is annoying to say the least that communities are still being plagued by it.

“I get that the police are overstretched due to constant underfunding, but a pledge is a pledge and it will be interesting to see just how effective the initiative has been.”

Mr Coppinger said the police rely on information from the community adding: “If you have any information about off-road biking – whether it be a name, the location of a vehicle or a registration plate, please report it, as it will help officers to identify those responsible and take action.”

Contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.