POLICE at Warrington are stepping up their fight against illegal and anti-social use of mini-motos and off-road bikes with the launch of Operation Scramble.
Launching today, the operation will see officers work in collaboration with the Warrington community to tackle the growing problem of youths riding scrambler bikes in an anti-social manner in the town.
There will be increased patrols in hotspot areas, including off-road police bikes, and offenders face the prospect of having their scrambler bikes permanently seized and being prosecuted.
Sergeant Ruth Atherton, who is heading up the operation, said: “Youths riding scrambler bikes in an anti-social manner has been a growing problem in Warrington over the past few years, particularly in the north of the town and particularly during the spring and summer months.
“Riding these bikes through public areas and along busy roads in an anti-social manner is dangerous, for both the rider and other members of the public, and the noise and disruption these nuisance bikes cause is a strong source of frustration for communities.
“With the launch of Operation Scrambler in Warrington I want to reassure residents that we are taking the issue extremely seriously and will be doing all we can to locate those responsible for this sort of behaviour and take positive action where necessary, including seizing bikes and prosecuting offenders.”
Mini-motos are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles by law. This means people who use them must be at last 16 years old, hold the relevant licence and MOT and be covered by insurance.
Police have the power to seize scrambler bikes which are used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress, even if the rider has tax and insurance.
A warning is given first, but if that fails to be effective and the bike is used in an anti-social manner again it will be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
Scrambler bikes can also be seized if the rider is not insured or has not paid their road tax, and to be on the road the bike needs all the usual equipment to be fitted and working – for example, lights, brakes, brake lights, a horn, a speedometer, good tyres and registration plates. These are required even if it is being pushed.
Police youth engagement officers will also be visiting schools to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of riding scrambler bikes in an anti-social manner.
Sergeant Atherton said: “We are working with housing associations, youth workers and Trading Standards to tackle this growing issue as effectively as possible, but we also need the public’s help.
“We have set up a dedicated email address for residents to provide intelligence for Operation Scrambler and are specifically appealing for detailed descriptions or photographs of any bikes and riders that are causing a nuisance. “
The email address for reporting incidents is
[email protected] or calls can be made to 101 quoting “Operation Scrambler”.
Alternatively information can be given anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency you should dial 999.
Police step up fight against illegal off-road bikers
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