Off-road bikes are seized to stop nuisance
GANGS of young people riding motorbikes across Cardiff in the dead of night have been described as “incredibly dangerous”.
City residents have complained about off-road vehicles being used in many of Cardiff’s parks this summer.
Police are confiscating and even destroying some of the bikes after catching the youngsters driving across some of Cardiff’s green spaces at high speeds.
In total, 36 motorbikes and quadbikes have been seized in joint operations by the police and council since May 2017, with most of them being crushed.
But people have said the issue has got worse over recent months.
Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, who chairs Cardiff Civic Society, wrote to the council expressing her concerns about the number of off-road motorbikes riding across Pontcanna and Llandaff fields.
She said: “Their focus is not on other park users – it’s an accident waiting to happen.
“It’s lovely to have that park as somewhere to have some peace and quiet and not have to worry about being flattened by a motorcycle.”
Hilary Brookes, who also lives near Pontcanna Fields, said the bikes are typically racing across the field after midnight.
She said: “We would like to appeal to the youngsters to have a bit more consideration. We would quite like to get some sleep.
“I’m afraid someone will get hurt if they are having races.”
The council and police have been targeting the issue of nuisance motorbike riding across Cardiff through Operation Red Mana.
Since May 2017, 16 motorbikes have been confiscated in Roath – the most of any area of the city.
Another eight motorbikes have been seized in Fairwater, while seven have been confiscated in Cardiff Bay.
Splott councillor Ed Stubbs said the issue was also affecting his area.
He said: “Residents are pretty sick of this behaviour. These kids are clearly not able to control these bikes and it’s incredibly dangerous. If you know who they are or where the bikes are kept, it’s time to come forward.
“It is clear to me we need more resources and that’s about the Home Office admitting their cuts, have made us less safe.”
Along with having their bikes seized and crushed, the youngsters are also facing further action after being caught by police or council officers.
Since May 2017, 38 young people have been referred to Cardiff council’s anti-social behaviour team, while 10 have been referred to social services.