Police plea for help to catch off-road bikers
1:57pm Tuesday 20th February 2007 in Your Town By Andy McFarlane
POLICE are urging the public to help them clamp down on illegal motorcyclists.
Community Support Officers in Farnworth say people on off-road bikes and mini motos are creating havoc for residents.
And riders who put lives at risk by cutting across pavements are being warned their bikes could be seized and even crushed.
However, officers have not been getting enough information about the offenders to put a stop to the problem.
They have started a leaflet and poster campaign calling on people to tip them off about the people who are posing a nuisance.
Police Community Support Officer Suzanne Keenan said: "Mini motos and off-road bikes do not have to be registered by law and people can use them on private land but they aren't allowed on public roads.
"On estates, they are riding on pedestrianised areas, which is putting people in danger.
"There has been a spate of complaints since Christmas, so we are assuming people got them as presents. However, getting information has been difficult so we want people to give us as much detail as they can.
"We believe the majority of time the offenders are local to the area."
Miss Keenan said she needs descriptions of the bikes, the people riding them and where the vehicles are being kept.
Carol Crawley, of Campbell Community Group, said: "We're pleased this initiative is going ahead because we've had horrendous problems at times and it is very dangerous."
Once identified, the offenders will be given official warnings under the police reform act.
If either the rider or bike is spotted again on public land, officers have powers to seize the vehicles and crush them if they are not reclaimed within seven days.
Under separate powers, police can at any time seize uninsured vehicles being used on roads.
- Anyone with information about illegal motorbikes should call 0161 856 5853.
