Increase in off-road motorbike activity in Sandwell
Residents in Sandwell are being urged to report an increase in off-road motorbike activities in the borough.
Sandwell Council teams and police officers are continuing to target the nuisances caused by off-road motorcyclists.
People riding off-road bikes on public roads is illegal and they can face arrest and have their bikes seized. Although motorbikes can be ridden on private land, the rider must have the land owner's permission. Riding motorbikes in public open spaces, or without a private land owner’s permission, can result in prosecution.
Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, said: “Nuisance motorbikes can disrupt family activities and disturb communities, while putting the riders themselves at risk. Sandwell Council and our colleagues in West Midlands Police ask residents to report any incidents of off-road motorbike using Crimestoppers or the Live Chat option.”
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We’ve previously carried out several successful operations to target large numbers of offenders. Officers regularly conduct warrants on the back of information received from the public. We also utilise ‘stingers’ to contain rogue bikers and work closely with prosecutors to secure charges against nuisance bikers.
“Traffic cops have access to DNA liquid canisters to ‘tag’ motorbikes and riders causing a nuisance in communities too. The DNA liquid is invisible to the naked eye but when exposed to UV light illuminates and allows officers to identify yobs and seize their bikes.
“We are determined to show this type of behaviour is dangerous and won’t be tolerated. If people are found, we will seize their bikes and take them to court.”
Residents can report matters to Sandwell Council, by visiting www.sandwell.gov.uk/motorbikenuisance.
To report motorbike nuisance to West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
