‘We need arrests – they are putting lives at risk’
MAYOR CALLS FOR ACTION AFTER MOTOR MENACES CAUSE MAYHEM ON TEESSIDE
CLEVELAND’S police and crime commissioner has pledged that gangs of off-road bikers “terrorising” Teesside will not go unpunished.
Police were called to several reports of a large group of off-road bikers making their way around Teesside on Sunday and Mayor of Middlesbrough, Andy Preston, has called for action. He said people’s lives were at risk and arrests need to be made.
Mr Preston said: “We need arrests. Dozens of bikers terrorised decent people – putting lives at risk and showing that they don’t care about the police. They rode all over town causing mayhem and I’ve been inundated with angry messages from people.
“I know that people will know some of those responsible and we need people’s help to track them down. Hopefully they will end up in prison. I don’t run the police, but I know that everyone wants to see arrests being made asap.”
Meanwhile, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Steve Turner, has said this “appalling and mindless behaviour” will not go unpunished. He said officers will be making arrests following the incident.
Mr Turner said: “I am shocked and disgusted at the numerous videos I’ve been tagged in yesterday of dozens of bikes, quads and cars being driven dangerously and illegally across many areas in Teesside.
Such behaviour cannot, and will not, be tolerated and I, along with many of you, have asked for answers from the force’s senior leadership as to how and why the situation got as bad as it did.
“Those answers will come, but for now I am assured our officers will be making arrests and seizures in the coming days as perpetrators have, and will, be identified. Many people have also demanded to know why officers in some of these videos didn’t attempt to make arrests as this was happening.
“Whilst I understand that sentiment I also know that anyone who is willing to ride a vehicle in this way is not going to quietly pull over and say sorry. Our officers first duty is to protect the public and ‘a chase’ is what many of these idiots want. On a warm Sunday afternoon with thousands of members of the public around the risk of a pursuit ending in tragedy would probably have been too great. The one silver lining from yesterday’s events is that we aren’t having to discuss serious injuries or a tragedy involving the public or the morons who behaved so recklessly. I know our Cleveland Police officers will have been frustrated and wanting to do more but they must protect the public in the best way they can. They did that yesterday and those on the ground should not be criticised for those decisions.
“All that said, I get the anger and depth of public feeling, I feel it too. I also understand that whilst the scale of this is fairly unique, reckless riding in our towns, village and estates is a major problem. I live here too and see it first-hand so please trust me when I say that your voice has been heard and I will ensure that our most senior officers are giving this the priority it deserves, now and in the future.”
In a statement on social media on Sunday, a force spokesperson said: “Police are aware of a large group of people riding off-road bikes after a number
of reports of antisocial driving in both Middlesbrough and Redcar. Officers are in attendance and will take appropriate action wherever possible. Anyone with information regarding the identity of those riding off-road bikes illegally or anyone who may be storing off-road bikes is asked to call 101. Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111.”
Our officers first duty is to protect the public
and ‘a chase’ is what many of these idiots want
Steve Turner