Cops target illegal riding in Kent and recover stolen bikes
Kent cops recover stolen bike and target anti-social riding
‘We aim to disrupt those responsible’ INSPECTOR FRED MCCORMACK
Police in Dover tasked with reducing anti-social motorcycling have seized four bikes – including one that is believed to have been stolen last year. The Dover Community Safety Unit (CSU) proactively target and disrupt those who ride anti-socially and have so far issued 24 Section 59 warnings since April. If those riders are stopped again for being a nuisance within a 12-month period, their vehicle can be seized and impounded.
The area is just one of many up and down the country working proactively to stamp out illegal and anti-social riding on roads, pavements and public spaces. The ongoing Kent project is called Operation Fielding and includes days of action “targeting those who commit crime and disorder”. “We understand the concerns reported to us regarding nuisance motorbikes in the area and it is not tolerated,” said Kent Police Inspector Fred McCormack of Dover Police. “CSU officers led by PC Maria Redgwell have been working hard to respond to reports made to us and they will continue to carry out patrols across the district with the aim of disrupting those responsible for this antisocial behaviour.
“We are grateful to members of the public who have reported these incidents and encourage them to continue reporting to help inform the action we are taking.”
The latest seizure was made after a rider was approached by a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in Aylesham, Kent and the bike is thought to have been stolen from Deal late last year.
Cllr MJ Holloway, Dover District Council’s cabinet member for community safety, added: “This is part of a wider operation dealing with motorbike nuisance across the district, in particular noise over weekends and evenings. “DDC will be working with Kent Police over the coming summer months to clamp down on anti-social behaviour involving motorbikes, which causes a real nuisance for local communities.” The force have produced a poster telling the public how to report nuisance riding, including a list of behaviours to look out for. This includes; speeding/racing, illegal manoeuvres, dangerous driving, loud revving and careless driving. It advises that a description of the bike and rider should be taken along with the road but also asks people to ‘respect those who ride sensibly’.