GREATER Manchester Police have launched an operation to “tackle the issue” of off-road and illegal bikes and are appealing to the public to come forward with any footage of bikers to assist in combating a recent increase in the “nuisance.”
The appeal comes after a number of seizers of off-road and illegal road bikes in recent weeks, and multiple calls from councillors and community groups for the police to do something about the issue.
Cllr Andy Morgan has been vocal on the subject recently and says that the council has considered creating a safe and legal space for bikers to go in the past.
BOLTON: Off-road bikes seized after causing nuisance
However, the recent increase in incidents, Cllr Morgan said, is a “new phenomenon,” and the people responsible are doing it to “stick two fingers up” at people.
He said: “It’s increasingly prevalent. People are contacting me all the time.
“The other day I saw three in five minutes, and these were road-worthy bikes.
They drove past with their fingers in the air. They think they’re untouchable and there’s no consequences.”
Chris Abalain is the coordinator for Breightmet Neighbourhood Watch, and he lists off-road bikes among the “the little things that add up to ruin neighbourhood spirit.”
He added: “We just want a connection with the police so that we can allow them to do their jobs and help them to that.”
Chief Inspector Justine Topping, from GMP’s Bolton district, said: “We’re aware of reported issues about off-road and illegal road bikes being used in parks, streets and local beauty spots in Bolton and we have already seen a number of seizures over the last few weeks in Cutacre Park and Little Lever.
Illegal off-road bikes seized after 'near misses' at Bickershaw Country Park
“There’s been an increase in the number of reports which often happens as the weather gets warmer which is why we’ve launched an Operation to tackle the issue.
“Not only are the bikes a nuisance, but they are a safety risk to the riders themselves and members of the community.
“Local officers will work alongside partners to identify those responsible and take action but we’d also encourage anyone with any footage of off-road bikers to contact us so we can find those responsible and target the areas causing the most concern and put regular patrols in place.
“Email Bolton.partnershipteam@gmp.police.uk, call 101 or report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.”
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