Nuisance bike crackdown

Officers are stepping up patrols in Temple Park in South Shields after reports have increased of the nuisance riders.

Those caught risk have their bike crushed and could face a driving ban before they have even passed their driving test.

Residents are now being asked to contact police with any information which could lead them to who the bikes belong to.

Riding an off-road bike in a public place is illegal and they can not be used on private land without the landowners permission.

Neighbourhood Inspector Denise Townsley said: “Scrambler and off-road motorbikes are being ridden through Temple Park causing a nuisance to the majority of people who want to be able to enjoy the park.

“Not only is this a danger and someone could end up getting hurt but it is illegal, off-road motorbikes cannot be ridden on public land, they can only be ridden on private land where the owner has given permission.

“We really need members of the public to work with us to tackle this issue, local residents will know who the bikes belong to, they will know where they are kept and who rides them and we want them to tell us.

“If we know who those response are we can take action against them and this could ultimately see them having the bike taken off them and crushed.

“A lot of these motorbike riders are only teenagers and many haven’t even passed their driving test yet - those whose behaviour is persistent could see themselves put before the courts where they could be given a driving ban which will delay them passing their driving test event more.”

Last year a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced across the whole of the Borough to stop people from using motorbikes in public places.

Anyone with details on the use of these bikes is asked to call police on 101.