Warnings against quad bike usage

Since Christmas there has been a sharp increase in the number of calls police have received reporting children, youths and also adults using mini moto, dirt bike and quad type motorcycles.

These incidents have taken in public paths, parks, bridleways, and also on roadways.

It is common for these vehicles to be given as gifts at Christmas time, but it should be noted that they are not toys and those with engines are still bound by road traffic laws, regardless of the age of the rider or intended purpose of the vehicle.

Whilst I do not want to spoil the fun people can have with these vehicles, I must stress that when they are ridden in the aforementioned locations it is likely that a road traffic offence is being committed.

This could potentially mean the rider and or parent/guardian of the rider may be subject to charges and the vehicle could be seized and destroyed.

If your child has one of these vehicles then it is a parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure it is used in the appropriate manner in a suitable location, utilising the correct safety equipment.

Further information and detailed guidance can be found at Rospa.com/ mini-motorbikes.

A particularly nasty incident took place on December 28, around 10.30pm at Wingfield Gardens in Bothwell.

During this incident a 77-year-old man was assaulted in his home after answering his door to two men who subsequently robbed him of a sum of money and some personal items.

The 77-year-old man was left with minor injuries but, as you can imagine, is still very shaken by the incident.

I would appeal to anyone who may have even the slightest piece of information or suspicion regarding any possible suspect to contact police on 101.

There has recently been an upsurge in incidents throughout Hamilton and

Blantyre where spray painting ‘tags’ with the letters ‘UC’ and ‘UB’ have been sprayed on numerous properties and street furniture.

This is vandalism and will often have to have to be cleaned off by the property owners, either at the expense of time and or money. Should anyone have information relating to this spray painting I would appeal to them to contact police on 101.

During Christmas and new year my team has continued to focus on tracing offenders who have evaded their court appearances, on these days of action 12 people were arrested and brought before the courts.