Solihull’s fight against illegal off-road bikes continues

Illegal and anti-social use of off road bikes and quads has become an issue nationally with police forces from across England and Wales receiving complaints from the public.

Many of the bikes are either unfit for use on the road, uninsured, ridden by riders with no license – or are used in a way which invalidates insurance and causes nuisance or harassment to the public.

In Solihull, a number of organised events took place attended by large numbers of illegal bikes, resulting in calls for service across the borough from concerned residents.

Consequently, Operation Wraithbane was set up in March 2016 with police officers investigating complaints and co-ordinating action against those who took part in organised meets.

Police tactics focus on identifying offenders through CCTV and appeal footage sent in by members of the public and gathered by police spotters.

On-going warrants have been executed on addresses of those identified, arresting those concerned and seizing illegal bikes.

So far over fifty bikes have been seized and 25 people have been arrested over and above those summonsed to court directly for traffic offences.

In the Olton neighbourhood alone, six offenders have had action taken against them in recent months. Individuals have been charged with criminal damage and dangerous driving as well as a host of traffic offences and most prosecutions are still pending.

Those that have already progressed through the criminal justice system have received fines, driving bans and have forfeited their bike.

One individual charged with criminal damage in local parks caused by his bike has recently received a £450 fine, a one year disqualification and his bike has been crushed.

Police continue to appeal for images or CCTV footage of individual’s committing offences and follow up all complaints where individuals or bikes can be identified. This includes good evidence from car dash cameras or bike cameras fitted to law-abiding motorcyclists who witness behaviour.

Any member of the public with images of bikes or individuals committing offences within Solihull, is encouraged to send details of behaviour and images to: INV_Solihull@west-midlands and include their contact details.

Police are also appealing to members of the public, who live near offenders using bikes in this manner, to report offender names and addresses with descriptions of bikes used, allowing officers to match these with other incidents reported.

If you wish to inform the police anonymously this can be done via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Read more: http://www.solihullgetinvolved.co.uk/2016/11/16/solihulls-fight-illegal-off-road-bikes-continues/