Hartlepool police on the trail of nuisance quad bikers - here's how you can help

Hartlepool neighbourhood policing team has appealed for any information regarding off road bikes and/or quads and where they may be visiting or being stored.

Police also said residents can report incidents anonymously via Crimestoppers if they have any concerns.

Hartlepool Neighbourhoods Inspector Matthew Reeves said despite the impact of the coronavirus outbreak they are committed to continuing positive work in the area.

He said: “With the well-documented reductions in resources in recent years and now with the coronavirus there have been and will continue to be challenges, but we all remain committed to continuing the good work which has gone before.

“We appreciate the support of our communities and urge them to contact Crimestoppers anonymously with intelligence on crime and antisocial behaviour including information on where quad bikes are being stored.

“We can then work with housing providers to reduce this problem.”

Police noted riding an off-road bike on public land is illegal, unless permission is gained from the land owner.

Riders also need a valid licence, insurance, tax, to display a registration plate and possibly an MOT.

Council officers on Hartlepool Community Safety Team reported last September they had been cracking down on off-road bikers ‘plaguing’ Hartlepool.

They said complaints had been received over several months and they had been working with police to take action.

Actions taken at the time included new warning signs being put up, while four bikes were seized, adding to a previous eight taken off road, with the help of Cleveland Police’s Operation Endurance.

Police urge anyone with any information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Problem off-road bikers have been a problem in areas across the North East, with various councils and policing units using different methods to try and clamp down on offenders.

Barriers, DNA spray and drones are among other methods used.