Police target off-road bikers causing misery in communities

Police are carrying out weeks of action to target nuisance off-road bikers.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger.Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger.

Officers from neighbourhood teams and the motorcycle section will give additional focus to off-road biking as part of Operation Endurance, which will see them tackling the issue alongside partners from Cleveland Fire Brigade, local authorities and housing providers across Hartlepool.

Working together with local authorities and local housing providers means that offenders could risk losing their tenancies.

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The weeks of action will take place in Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland,Stockton and Middlesbrough throughout July and August.

Police will look to seize vehicles as well as issue warnings and prosecute where appropriate.Officers will also speak to pupils in local schools regarding the dangers of off-road biking.Chief Inspector Emily Harrison, who leads Operation Endurance, said: “This operation shows those who use illegal bikes and pose a danger to our communities that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Whilst we carry out Operation Endurance patrols all year round, the coming weeks during schools holidays will see an additional focus on off-road biking and working closely with local communities we will be able to gather intelligence, seize vehicles, identify offenders and help prevent those people from re-offending. “Off-road bikes are usually untaxed and unsafe and those committing offences don’t usually have a licence or insurance.

"There are of course some people who do not flout the rules and ride their bikes legally, however, some still ignore the law.

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“We would appeal for anyone who may have information about people who are using off-road bikes illegally, or where they are storing them, to get in touch so that we can take the appropriate action.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, said: “I welcome any operations that support taking appropriate action against off-road bikers.

"I often hear concerns by members of the public and local council members about nuisance bikers, and would always encourage anyone who may have information on who these people are to contact police.”

Anyone with information can contact the non-emergency number 101, contact their local neighbourhood team or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.