Motorcycles seized in crackdown on rogue riders in Jarrow

Northumbria Police has made repeated appeals for information in recent years in an attempt to get a grip on the issue.

Officers revealed their latest action against bikers at a meeting of the Jarrow and Boldon Community Area Forum (CAF).

In a written report read out to the committee, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube, Sgt Angela Lewis said: “The police have been very busy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[Officers] have dealt with a number of issues, including warning letters, but have continued to work with partners and deal with restrictions in place.

“Anti-social behaviour (ASB) figures have risen in all areas since the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This is due to the way the police record all reported breaches of COVID regulations as ASB.

“The team has also served a number of Section 59 warnings on motorbike disorder and two motorcycles have been seized.”

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

Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 allows offending bikes to be seized by officers, although owners can also buy back their bikes after paying a fine.

In June it was revealed Operation Bungo has seen at least 14 bikes taken off the road since May.

Officers involved with Operation Bungo in the borough have also worked with the force-wide team behind Operation Benelli, which reviews crimes involving motorcycles and has seen drugs, weapons, money and stolen property seized as a result.

The force has also previously introduced a ‘DNA spray’ to tag nuisance riders and their vehicles for future identification, which has been described as an ‘effective deterrent’.

Opposition councillor Paul Milburn urged officers to continue their work to try and combat nuisance riders.

He said: “Regarding the illegal motorcycles at the green spaces, I walk the green spaces in Primrose a lot and recently I have seen a reduction in incidents.

“Whatever they’re doing they need to keep doing it because it’s working at the moment.”

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