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Drive to prevent anti-social behaviour from off-road motorbikes in Gateshead (30 August 2016)

Date: 30/08/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Drive to prevent anti-social behaviour from off-road motorbikes in Gateshead

Gateshead Council is working with the police to tackle off-road bikers in the borough.

The council says that the police are investigating a number of reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) involving motorcycles in the Gateshead area – signage has been installed at some of the hotspots for anti-social motorbike behaviour, to remind bikers that police and council officers are aware anti-social behaviour is taking place and are actively looking at ways of stopping the problem.

The council says that reports of motorbike ASB are of real concern to police, the council and residents because of damage caused to the local area, as well as noise intrusion and the risk of riders and members of the public being injured.

Police officers have been taking action by carrying out extra patrols in areas where there have been problems – however, by the time an incident is reported to the police, the offenders have frequently left the area.

The police are asking local people to report incidents to the police non emergency number 101, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, giving the location and a description of the riders and their motorbikes.

Acting Inspector Tim McIntyre of Gateshead Central Neighbourhood Team said:

“We support the council in using these signs to remind people to act responsibly and not to ride motor cycles illegally or in an anti-social manner.

“Motorbikes being used dangerously and anti-socially are a real concern for us and for our local residents – they tear up land and damage public spaces, they make a horrendous noise and they are being ridden at all hours.

“But the most important issue is one of safety – these riders are often amateurs who aren't insured or wearing the correct safety equipment. They could seriously injure themselves or members of the public and we won't stand by and allow this to happen.

“People in Gateshead can be reassured that we are focusing on this issue and have plans in place to tackle it – anyone caught riding anti-socially or illegally will be stopped and arrested.

“They face having their motorbikes seized from them and they could face being put in front of the courts.

“We are taking a hard line on this and we need residents to help and support us by letting us know who is riding these bikes and where they are being kept”.

Gateshead Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Volunteering, which includes Community Safety in Gateshead, `Councillor Linda Green, said:

“People riding motorbikes off-road are hard to catch in the act – that’s why we are looking at ways to discourage people from doing this in the first place, ask them to think twice about doing it and consider other people who live nearby.

“We hope these signs will make people realise that we’re aware of the problem – and, in partnership with the police, are doing something about it.”

Duncan Lewis Motoring Solicitors

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