1,100 calls about antisocial bike use

NE A R LY half of complaints about bikers received across Fife last year came from one area.

Police i n Levenmouth received a record 1,100 calls about antisocial bike use. Information received from the public resulted in the seizure of 39 bikes and four quads in 2018, while 34 people were charged with various offences.

A plan of action involving police, council services and elected representatives is now being drawn up to tackle the worsening scourge of masked youths who continue to tear along paths, country lanes, beaches and golf courses.

A r a f t o f me a s u r e s including the use of CCTV and invoking antisocial behaviour legislation is being looked at to curb the bikers, some of whom are said to become aggressive when challenged. Services will be focusing particularly on a number of areas in Methil, Methilhill, Leven and Kennoway.

At a multi-agency meeting to discuss the problem, it was made clear that asking for the public’s help is key to the solution.

“It was their information and intelligence that helped the police and council identify offenders and then allow the courts to deal with the persistent miscreants,” said Labour councillor Colin Davidson.

The Scottish Government has agreed to meet Claire Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, to discuss the issue.