Community intelligence helps police and partners tackle illegal off-road bikes in Solihull

Over the last month police and partners across Solihull have worked hard to reduce the number of illegal bikes and quads using the roads.

Not only are these bikes responsible for anti-social behaviour across the borough, they are often driven dangerously causing a risk to other road users and pedestrians.

Many of the bikes are uninsured, not roadworthy and are driven by individuals without a license.

The law surrounding bikes and quads is clear – they need to be road legal and ridden by an insured and licensed rider in a careful and considerate way.

A seasonal rise in the use of bikes linked to warmer weather has caused an increase in the number of complaints from Solihull residents.

The issue can be frustrating for those who call for a police response.

Police have stated that they must respond in a responsible way which tackles the issue – however, doesn’t risk the lives of the person riding the bike, pedestrians and other road users – if a bike tries to evade officers.

During the last month partners have acted on community intelligence given as a result of reports to police on the 101 number, through local contact or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Members of the public have given descriptions of bikes, details of those using them, also where bikes are kept and when they are being ridden.

PC Chris Gadd has led Operation Kickstart, which is dedicated to tackling the issue.

The operation has seen warrants conducted across the Solihull borough, seizing bikes, quads and arresting those who can be linked to criminal offences.

Where appropriate, bikes have also been seized at the roadside.

Bikes seized are often unrecoverable for the owner and crushed as a result.

Police are able to seize uninsured bikes or those ridden in an anti-social manner, which could also lead to prosecuting the owner.

A recent seizure of a quad bike under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act not only left the owner without his bike but also facing charges of driving whilst uninsured and a long list of construction and use traffic offences.

Chief Inspector Jack Hadley, overseeing the operation, stated: “We’re achieving some excellent results, officers have exhibited a dogged determination to remove these bikes and deal with offences committed”.

If you have any information that will assist the police in keeping illegal bikes and quads off the road, please call them on 101 quoting Operation Kickstart – or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Read more: http://www.solihullgetinvolved.co.uk/2016/05/17/community-intelligence-helps-police-tackle-illegal-off-road-bikes/