Motorbike crackdown Patrols are increased as operation is relaunched

THE scourge of mopeds and scrambler bikes being used in an anti-social way in Cheltenham has prompted Gloucestershire police to relaunch Operation Endurance.

It will see high-visibility patrols in known hotspots.

Since the beginning of August there have been around 120 reported incidents involving bikes and scooters being ridden in an anti-social manner.

These have mostly taken place in Hester’s Way, St Marks, St Paul’s and Pittville.

The operation will see Neighbourhood and Roads Policing officers working together to ensure that the antisocial use of these vehicles in public spaces is stopped.

The Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team will target those committing anti-social behaviour and road traffic offences to help keep the public and other motorists safe from harm.

Examples of reported incidents have included teenagers riding scrambler bikes in an anti-social manner at King George V Playing Field and Pittville Park as well as a report that an elderly woman was knocked over in Hester’s Way. One incident earlier this month saw officers seize an electric bike.

Acting Sergeant Lee Walter from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We’d like to ask the public to report any anti-social riding of e-bikes, mopeds, scramblers or motorbikes. In particular we are looking for information about where they are stored, who is riding them and any dashcam or CCTV footage that can be passed to us for review.

“Any bikes that are found to be ridden in an anti-social manner will be seized and the riders will be dealt with robustly.”

Anyone who wishes to submit footage, photographs or information of bikes or other vehicles being driven anti-socially can do so by completing the online form at bit.ly/3sjkebp

“If the offender/s remain in the area please call 101 or 999 if you are at risk of harm.

“We’d also like to warn residents that electrically assisted pedal cycles need to comply with the Road Traffic Act and be licensed, insured and registered. Any bike of this type can be seized and disposed of under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act if not complying with the legislation.”

Any bikes that are found to be ridden in an anti-social manner will be seized and the riders will be dealt with robustly

Acting Sergeant Lee Walter