Officers are using an eye in the sky to target nuisance off-road bikes in Bolton.

Police from Bolton North Neighbourhood Team have been out on patrol with the Drone Team to tackle the anti-social behaviour and criminal damage caused by off road bikes.

Officers are targeting areas where they suspect bikes are being stored and can seize vehicles based on video evidence obtained from when they are flying.

GMP has also said as well as making use of  the drone unit it now wants more officers on the ground and are inviting people to join the force.

Sergeant David Keir said: “I hope the ongoing positive action we’re taking to target the anti-social use of off-road bikes goes some way to reassure residents that we have heard their concerns and are taking them seriously.
“Off road bikers are a danger to themselves and other people so it’s important that we clamp down on this issue.
“The GMP drone unit adds yet another arsenal to our kit that will allow us to target the areas where we suspect the bikes are being used and stored.

"We can’t catch every bike when it’s in action, but with the drone unit we now have the capability to track bikes and seize them based on video evidence obtained from the sky.
“Finding new and innovative ways to target offenders however is just part of the solution. Ultimately, we need the public’s help to make a real difference.
He urged people to help police deal with the issue.

He said: “If you know where an off road bike is being stored or used, please get in touch by emailing the Bolton Neighbourhood North team - boltonnorth@gmp.police.uk.

“If you are able to safely obtain any footage or photos of off road bikes which we could use to build our intelligence picture, then please send this footage to Bolton.PartnershipTeam@gmp.police.uk.

“Any information you pass will be treated in confidence. Please do not put yourself in harm’s way to obtain footage - your safety is paramount.”

Chief Inspector Justine Topping urged people to come forward with information.

She said: “Off Road Bikes is an issue that is reported an awful lot and an issue that is really difficult to deal with.

“Police officers often unable to do high speed pursuits in relation to motorbikes and to stop them.

“There are different ways to deal with it.”

She said as well as the drones they were working to identify the addresses of people involved.

She added:  “Summer months are generally a time when we get more reports.

“We could encourage everybody to keep reporting it

“The more information we get the more we can identify those on bikes and deal with them.”

Last week a five-year-old boy was hit by an off-road bike in Oldham.

The boy was playing football off Kings Road, near Alexandra Park, at the time of the incident on Thursday, sustaining injuries to his leg and lip.

On Thursday, police arrested a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, then released him under investigation.