Stolen motorbikes seized and traffic offences recorded in proactive operation

We have seized a number of stolen motorbikes and reported a number of traffic offences as part of a crackdown in Stoke-on-Trent.

On Sunday (15 December), officers from our road crime team (RCT), Stoke South and Moorland local policing teams (LPT) took to Park Hall, Werrington and Bucknall in a proactive operation to target those blighting local communities with off-road bikes and related anti-social behaviour on our roads and green spaces. 

We carried out high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas and used a police drone to target riders putting members of the public and themselves at risk. Specially-trained officers on off-road bikes were also deployed.

Two stolen motorbikes were recovered as part of the operation, including one that was found in the back garden of a home in the area.

Officers were supported by overhead surveillance from a RCT drone pilot and the teams reported seven traffic offences for people not having a valid MOT, not wearing seatbelts in cars and carrying an insecure load. 

By being proactive, officers were able to target those persistently causing problems for local residents and businesses across the city. As a result, we didn’t receive a single report for the entire day about off-road bike problems across Stoke South or the Moorlands. We’re determined to keep working hard to continue that trend and to tackle the issues affecting people the most in Stoke-on-Trent. 

Inspector Becci Price, deputy Stoke South LPT Commander, said: “This successful operation serves as a positive indication to members of our local communities that we continue to tackle vehicle-related ASB and will employ effective and robust tactics in order to track, locate and deal with suspects.  

“On many occasions the actions of those involved have not only been anti-social but also reckless and criminal. Riders risk injuring themselves, other road users and pedestrians. They will be dealt with accordingly through disqualification, arrest and prosecution.”

We launched Operation Transom as part of our efforts to tackle nuisance off-road motorbikes in partnership with Stoke-in-Trent City Council and part of this work has seen increased patrols around hotspot areas and seizing bikes that are used to commit ASB.

Inspector Jody Cruxton, from the RCT, said: “It was really pleasing to see the reaction from members of the local community during our crackdown on Sunday. One person told officers how they fear their dogs could get killed while they’re being walked in areas that see off-road bike activity, so it was nice to see they were happy with the steps we’re taking to tackle their concerns. 

“This operation follows a number of successful off-road operations across the county over recent weeks which has included multiple vehicle seizures and a guilty plea for dangerous driving. 

“Over the next year we will be stepping up this capability and increasing the number of officers trained to use our off-road bikes to ensure that frequent, targeted action will be taken wherever we see this behaviour.”

For those that are considering buying off road or electrically propelled motorcycles, dirtbikes or e-scooters for your children this Christmas, please bear in mind that vehicles can’t legally be used on the road or in any public place unless they are road registered, taxed and insured. The rider must also have the appropriate driving licence and relevant CBT certificate. 

The use of any such vehicle on any local authority land is not permitted and to use them on private land, you must have the land owner’s consent and other means of transport to the location. 

These vehicles will be seized at every opportunity and as there is no insurance company that will allow them to be ridden on a public highway. You will not be able to recover the vehicle which will be automatically destroyed after 15 days.

To report nuisance bikes in your area, call the council on 01782 233400.

You can also report incidents to us through Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.