Off-roaders off the roads

TIDY HAUL . . . Sergeant Tony Allt and officers from the Road Policing Unit with some of the seized bikes

TEN illegal bikers are now without wheels after police crushed their machines.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams joined forces with officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Road Policing Unit to target those who ride off-road bikes and mini-motos illegally.

The two-week crackdown across Oldham saw the officers patrolling wasteland and bridleways on the lookout for illegal bikers.

Ten bikes and quads were seized and 59 people were warned for anti-social use of a motor vehicle. One person was arrested and charged for failing to stop and having no insurance or licence.

The enforcement follows complaints from residents that off-road bikers were causing a nuisance and danger.

Police have the power under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to seize vehicles being used in a manner likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance.

Superintendent Stuart Goodwin said: “This operation is in direct response to residents telling their Neighbourhood Policing Teams that they are concerned about people riding bikes illegally. We want to make it crystal clear to owners of off-road bikes that we will not put up with their use in public places.”

Sergeant Tony Allt, of the Road Policing Unit, added: “Off-road biking can be an exciting hobby but riders need to be aware that it is only legal to ride on private land with the owner’s permission, or at a suitably authorised location.

“Parents need to also be aware that supplying their children with such vehicles can result in them being prosecuted for their child’s actions.”

Anyone with concerns about the illegal use of off-road bikes are encouraged contact police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.