POLICE are targeting “hotspots” for illegal and anti-social use of mini-motorbikes in Warrington.
Officers say that usually at this time of year there is an increase in the number of incidents involving mini-motorbikes reported to police.
Chief Inspector Martin Cleworth said: “We are cracking down on the illegal and anti-social use of mini-motos across Warrington – we want to get the message across that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour in the town and will take
positive action where necessary.
“We recognise that this issue is a real concern to the local community and we will be running this operation throughout the Easter holiday and again over the summer holiday.”
He said mini-motorbikes are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles by law. This means people who use them must be at least 16-years-old, hold the relevant licence and MOT, where applicable, and be covered by insurance.
Police have the power to seize bikes and cars which are used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress even if the motorist has tax and insurance.
During the first day of the operation officers seized three mini-motos – two in Woolston and one in Dallam – and issued one warning notice to a rider in Orford. The three bikes that were seized have been taken to a local garage and will be crushed.
Officers throughout the town are involved in the operation and will carry out high visibility patrols in hot spot areas at key times. Two specially trained off-road motorcyclists will also be patrolling known hotspots.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are gathering information from the community as part of the campaign.
Chief Inspector Cleworth said: “We take this issue extremely seriously and we want to reassure residents we are doing all we can to tackle the problem – the more bikes that are being driven illegally that we can take off the streets the better.
“We would urge people to contact us with any information they can about mini-motos – even the smallest amount of information can be useful.”
Anyone with any information about the illegal or anti-social use of mini-motos can contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
