Bikes seized in clampdown on off-road menaces
A CRACKDOWN on scrambler bikes in Runcorn has resulted in 18 vehicles being taken off the streets.
The operation was launched in September and followed a rise in reports of motorbikes being ridden dangerously in parks and on paths and roads over the summer.
Patrols including police on off-road bikes targeted affected areas and 18 bikes are now awaiting destruction.
Under powers granted under the law, officers have to seize bikes that are used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress. A warning is given first but if the bike continues to be a nuisance it will be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
All motorbikes can also be seized if ridden on a public road unless the rider is at least 16 years old, and has a relevant licence, insurance and road tax.
Officers can also use the SelectaDNA forensic coding spray to mark riders and their bikes and trace them at a later date.
The sprays are an invisible dye that show up under ultraviolet lighting and can then be used to identify offenders and link them to a specific incident using a DNA code specific to the dye used.
Anyone found to have been marked by one of the sprays, or owning a scrambler bike that has been sprayed, may be prosecuted.
If a scrambler bike is found to have been sprayed it may be seized and destroyed by the police.
Sergeant Steve Watson, of ● Runcorn beat team, said: “We launched Operation Scrambler after it became apparent during the summer that people riding off-road bikes in an anti-social manner in the town was a growing problem.
“We take the issue extremely seriously as it is dangerous, for both the rider and other members of the public, and the noise and disruption these nuisance bikes cause is a strong source of frustration for communities.
“Since we launched the dedicated operation we have seized a significant number of scrambler bikes, which will be destroyed in due course.
“Many of these bikes have been seized on the back of members of the public providing valuable information and I would like to thank those people for helping us to tackle the problem.
“I also want to encourage more people to come forward with as much information as they can give us about scrambler bikes and their riders.
“Information provided from the public is pivotal to the continued success of the operation.
“We want information in relation to where these bikes are being stored and key factors regarding the riders, such as a detailed description of them and what they were wearing as well as potential names.
“Of particular value are photographs and videos of scrambler bikes and riders, but I urge people to only look to get us photos and video footage if it is safe to do so.
“When we have evidence of scrambler bikes being ridden in an anti-social manner we can look to have riders prosecuted and permanently seize bikes.
“We are also working closely with social housing landlords and will consider tenancy breaches if tenants are riding these bikes anti-socially or storing them for others to do so.”
Sgt Watson added: “Particularly with Christmas fast approaching, parents need to be aware of the laws regarding riding motorcycles both on and off-road.
“As well as being at least 16, having the relevant licence and insurance and paying road tax, your bike needs all the usual equipment to be fitted and working – for example, lights, brakes, brake lights, a horn, a speedometer, good tyres and registration plates.
“These are required even if it is being pushed.
“If you have any concerns about your child not adhering to the laws – and having their bike seized and possibly being prosecuted – do not let them have one of these bikes.”
Anyone with information regarding youths or adults riding scrambler bikes in an anti-social manner should contact Cheshire police on 101, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/ general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.