Police launch bike amnesty scheme to prevent criminal use

Plan to stop thugs getting their hands on unloved machines

Humberside Police have taken a novel approach to tackling antisocial riding by asking people to surrender any old and disused motorbikes, mopeds and quads. Nuisance machines ridden illegally in public spaces are one of the most common concerns for people living in the North East Lincolnshire area, according to a recent survey. Police say the illegal riders are often involved in other crime and they hope getting unused machines out of circulation will reduce the scale of the problem.

“It is quite common for old bikes to be stored in sheds, garages or even gardens,” said Inspector Martin Hopper, who leads the area’s motorcycle crime taskforce Operation Yellowfin. He said the bikes are then vulnerable to theft and end up being ragged around roads and open spaces, which is why it makes sense for there to be an amnesty for unwanted vehicles. “This surrender service will also help responsible parents who are concerned about the risk to their children and may wish to dispose of such vehicles,” he said. “We don’t want to be criminalising and prosecuting young people, but if they break the law, action will be taken.” Anyone in the region who has an old bike they no longer want can call the police and arrange for officers to take it away. The scheme was introduced in January 2021 and four machines were surrendered for collection in the first week alone. Inspector Hopper added: “We remain committed to tackling this issue, with activities aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and criminal activity which will reduce the nuisance caused to our communities.” Operation Yellowfin was launched in 2018 to address the crime associated with motorbikes ridden illegally offroad. Dozens of stolen machines have been recovered or seized as a result of the initiative and offenders have been caught and dealt with.

‘Unwanted bikes often end up being stolen’

INSP MARTIN HOPPER