Confiscated bikes get chucked in the crusher in cop clampdown
Tough new approach will see destroyed bikes put on show
Police in Corby, Northamptonshire, are taking the bold step of crushing confiscated bikes and using the resultant cube of metal as a warning to those who continue to ride illegally.
The area has seen a spike in the dangerous use of pit bikes, mopeds and motocross machines in public spaces during lockdown and it is hoped this new tactic will help to curb the practice.
“It’s important to make it clear that the bikes we’re crushing aren’t the motorcycles of law-abiding riders,” said Superintendent Kev Mulligan from Northamptonshire Police. “These are not bikers, there’s a difference. These are people, primarily youngsters but not exclusively, who are riding on unroadworthy bikes 99% of the time that are either stolen or so dangerous that it beggars belief. “Our obligation when policing this issue is first and foremost centred around community safety, to the safety of those legitimately using woodland trails, community open spaces and parks.
“Secondly, it’s about the local residents and businesses who are pestered and having to suffer from the practice taking place on their doorstep. “But it’s also about the safety of the riders of these machines because in a lot of cases there’s no real awareness of the consequences if they have an off.” The bikes are only crushed if they are deemed unroadworthy, are stolen and have no obvious legitimate owner, or they have a rightful owner but they’ve been issued with previous antisocial behaviour notices as a result of using the machine with the threat of it being destroyed.
The crushing itself was originally planned as a public event, but due to restrictions on mass gatherings the decision was taken to film it and then display the cube of mangled machinery outside The Corby Cube municipal building in the town. Superintendent Mulligan added: “Some are seeing the lockdown as a perfect storm for this activity, but we’re seeing it as an opportunity to get positive. While it’s absolutely right that we take a strong hand in this sort of crime, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the opportunity to engage with individuals so that they potentially become responsible bikers or drivers when they’re able to, either through age or by gaining a licence.”
‘These are not proper bikers’ SUPERINTENDENT KEV MULLIGAN