Three homes in Solihull raided in clampdown on dangerous bikers

Police in Solihull have raided three homes this morning (Thursday 14th April) in a crackdown on dangerous bikers who have blighted the area over recent weeks.

Three quad bikes have been seized from one address in Smithswood and three people have been arrested – a man and a woman on suspicion of public order offences and a man on suspicion of criminal damage.

At a second property, one off-road bike has been seized and a man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

It follows dozens of reports of people using motorbikes, scramblers and quad bikes in an anti-social manner in various parts of the borough in many months, with a sharp spike since mid-March this year.

The most recent disorder happened outside the high-profile funeral of Chris Clarke at St Alphege Church on Monday (14th April) prompting numerous calls to police and local media coverage.

Superintendent Sue Parker, from Solihull Police, said: “First and foremost I want to reassure the people of Solihull that we continue to take this matter extremely seriously and have been working hard to identify those responsible for this unacceptable behaviour for some time.

“This morning’s seizures and arrests are just some of the outcomes of the on-going investigation and follow an arrest made last month in relation to the use of off-road bikes in the area.

“The disruption in Solihull on Monday again highlighted the complete disregard those responsible have for their own safety and the safety of the public. I’m aware that some people are concerned we’re turning a blind-eye and I’ve also heard critical comments about officers filming the dangerous riding at the funeral on Monday.

“Although it may look like inaction, it is actually part of our on-going plan to gather evidence while also maintaining public safety. The reality is that there are occasions where intercepting riders at the time could directly result in serious injury to them or innocent bystanders.

“We have to make an assessment on each occasion as to whether it’s safe to intervene and  regardless of whether or not we take action there and then, we are absolutely committed to tracing the people responsible and ensuring they are held responsible for their actions.”

Supt. Parker also issued an appeal for information to members of the community, adding: “We continue to work with partner agencies to find solutions to these issues but it is local residents who can really help us make the difference because there are people out there who know those responsible for this behaviour and where those bikes are being stored.

“We are examining a range of footage both from Monday and other incidents and I thank the public for their support in sharing footage with us. This provides valuable assistance in identifying offenders and enables us and partners to take action against them.

“I would urge anyone who can provide information to please give us a call on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Read more: https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/latest-news/news.aspx?id=4431