Police seize off-road bikes

Police officers with the seized off road vehicles.

Police have seized a number of off-road bikes, motorbikes, quad bikes and 4x4 vehicles in a recent initiative to tackle off road bike nuisance in Smallbridge.

Seven vehicles were seized following complaints made by residents during the summer months at Police Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings about off-road vehicles causing damage to the land and distressing wildlife, walkers, horseriders, cyclists and farmers.

Riding motorcycles and quad bikes off-road is a criminal offence without the permission of the person who owns the land. 

Sergeant Joanne Reid, for Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This initiative has helped us in showing those with off-road bikes that we take this type of offence very seriously and that action will be taken against anyone flouting the law or putting the lives of others at risk by riding them dangerously.

“The results we have had are great especially as our local communities have been plagued by the illegal use of off-road bikes. These vehicles cause a great amount of annoyance, mainly because of the noise, and are often extremely dangerous for both the rider and pedestrians. They are not only a nuisance, but they are also a real danger to both the public and the rider.”

If residents in the Pennine area have any concerns about the use of off-road bikes, they are encouraged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Residents in the Pennine area can also contact their Neighbourhood Policing Team directly about any issues related to crime or anti-social behaviour on 0161 856 4556 or email penninepartnership@gmp.police.uk.