Turning up the heat on off-road biking

Police are turning up the heat on off-road biking after the Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team received 30 reports of off-road biking at Hollingworth Lake, Blackstone Edge Road and Belfield Lane between 1 March and 7 April 2010.

Inspector Jem Davies for Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have carried out several successful initiatives to tackle this problem in recent months and a number of bikes have been seized, however we are aware that this issue continues to cause problems for residents across the area.

“There is typically an increase in complaints from local residents over the summer months and I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that it is illegal to ride their bikes on any public road or space. Not only are they a nuisance, but they are also a real danger to both the public and the rider.

“We will continue to take appropriate action against anyone flouting the law or putting the lives of others at risk by riding their bikes dangerously.

“Bikes will be seized and could, in some circumstance, be crushed. We will also be passing information to our off-road bike team who will be able to address the problem more stringently.”

If residents in the Pennines 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.

You 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