Police and council teams have warned that off-road motorbikes bought for Christmas could be seized and crushed if they are used illegally near to homes, in parks or on footpaths and other public land.
Sandwell Local Policing Area (LPA) and Sandwell Council are jointly tackling nuisance caused by the illegal use of motorbikes and other off-road vehicles, with a significant drop in reports recorded this year.
Bikes are being seized and CCTV footage, together with information from the public, is used to identify hotspots and track down people who are riding illegally and dangerously, putting themselves and others at risk. Motorbike barriers have been installed in some key locations, along with mobile cameras.
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “Together with Sandwell Police and other partners, we have stepped up our action on nuisance off-road bikes in response to residents’ concerns, and we are seeing some very positive results.
“However, we remain concerned about the illegal use of off-road motorbikes and the risk to both riders and others in the community, and also the nuisance caused to our residents by this anti-social behaviour, whether it’s near to homes, in parks or on footpaths and other public land.
“So, if you’re thinking of buying an off-road bike this Christmas, either for yourself or someone else, please ensure it will be used legally, safely and with the landowner’s permission. Otherwise, you could soon find that Christmas gift ends up being seized and crushed.”
People are encouraged to report nuisance motorbikes as incidents are happening to police either via calling 101, via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at the Crimestoppers website.
Or people can report online to Sandwell Council – where there is also detailed information on the law relating to off-road vehicles.
When reporting, please include details such as vehicle registration information and a description of the bike or rider (such as the colour of the bike and clothing).