Multiple arrests and vehicle seizures in Rochdale police operation

Police vehicles

Multiple arrests were made and vehicles seized during a coordinated off-road bike operation across several areas of Rochdale on Saturday (7 September). The operation, led by Rochdale neighbourhood staff with support from community volunteers, United Utilities, and five specialist operations traffic patrols, covered Wardle, Milnrow, Newhey, Healey, Shawclough, Syke, and Rooley Moor.

Although off-road bike activity was minimal on the day, the operation led to significant law enforcement actions:

• Syke Road: One person was arrested for drink driving and driving without insurance. The vehicle was seized.
• Emergency worker assault: Another arrest was made following an assault on an emergency worker. An adapted electric bike, used without insurance, was also seized.
• Healey Corner: A driver was arrested for drink driving after their vehicle was seen driving erratically.
• Street racing: Two vehicles were observed racing, leading to one driver failing a drug wipe. One vehicle was seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, and both drivers were reported for driving without due care.
• Moped seizure: A moped was seized due to improper insurance.

Feedback from local land users suggests a noticeable reduction in off-road bike activity since these operations began several months ago.

However, authorities recognise the need for continued efforts, as reports of off-road bikes causing nuisance and danger persist in both rural and urban areas across Rochdale.

A spokesperson for the operation highlighted the importance of ongoing enforcement: "As can be seen, the specialist traffic patrols, supported by neighbourhood staff, carried out some great proactive work throughout the day.

"The message should be clear: people who think it is acceptable to drive while unfit through drink or drugs and who drive in an antisocial manner should expect to be stopped and arrested and will have to face the consequences of their actions.

"This can include driving bans, fines, or sometimes even imprisonment."

The operation also underscored the critical role of community volunteers, who gave up their free time to assist in spotting off-road bike activity.

Their efforts, combined with the coordinated response from law enforcement, continue to contribute to safer neighbourhoods across Rochdale.