Bikes seized in crackdown on nuisance riders in South Shields

Officers stepped up patrols to target the nuisance riders following complaints from residents, in particular around the areas of Whiteleas and Temple Park.

Riding off-road motorbikes on public or private land without the landowners permission is illegal.

West Shields Neighbourhood Sergeant Steve Prested said: “Members of the public are quite rightly concerned about motorbike disorder in the borough as are we. It is our absolute priority to tackle the issues that affect our communities the most, which is why we have made tackling motorbike disorder a neighbourhood priority.

“What they are doing is not only breaking the law, the way the motorbikes are being ridden could end up with someone getting seriously injured or even killed. We are doing all we can to identify those responsible so we can stop their behaviour and have already taken extensive action to do this.”

Action so far has seen Jerry Watch launched with local fuel stations which sees fuel stations the option to refuse to sell anyone fuel if they believe they are going to use it for an off-road motorbike.

East Shields Neighbourhood Inspector Denise Townsley said: “Information from members of the public is crucial to us, we need to know who these motorbikes belong to so we can speak to them and remind them of the law surrounding riding off-road motorbikes and warn them of the consequences of riding them in a dangerous manner.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird DBE QC, said: “This proactive policing activity and successful partnership work should serve as a warning to others who think it’s ok to break the law and ride motorbikes in public places.

“Not only are these irresponsible people putting themselves at risk but also the safety of others and that’s why I want to urge local residents who see anything to make sure they let the police know so they can look into it and catch those responsible."

Anyone with details is asked to call police on 101.