Off-road bikes crackdown continues across Gedling

A specialist police off-road bike team has been out and about as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on nuisance bikers and antisocial behaviour across Gedling.

Officers took part in a proactive operation covering several persistent hot-spot areas on Saturday (26 September) including Gedling Country Park, Colwick Country Park, Stoke Bardolph including the Trent side, Mile End Road, Colwick, Lambley and Burton Joyce including the dirt track leading to Gunthorpe. 

Although no bikes were seized on this occasion and no arrests were made, officers were an effective deterrent to criminality and also engaged with members of the public who gave positive feedback on the operation. 

Further operations will be carried out in these areas to tackle the issue, as well as offering safety advice as appropriate. 

Officers have seized a number of off-road bikes in the Newstead area as part of a problem management plan to tackle the issue there, with this action being taken in direct response to concerns raised by members of the public. 

Since July, days of action have taken place using a combination of plain clothes and uniformed officers as well as our off-road bike team. 

Previous enforcement results include two off-road bikes being seized and two boys, aged 16 and 17, being charged with using an off-road bike with no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence following a stop in Station Road, Newstead, on 19 July.

They were dealt with via means of an out of court disposal, requiring them to complete diversionary, educational and rehabilitation intervention, including road safety awareness sessions, to address their offending behaviour and/or prevent further offending.

Young people who do not complete interventions such as these will be sent back to court to be prosecuted. 

On 27 August officers stopped a 14-year-old off-road biker in Newstead and Annesley Country Park. They seized his vehicle and issued him with a Section 59 warning notice. 

Inspector Steven King, local area commander for Gedling, said: "One of the most common issues reported to us is the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters in public spaces. 

"Acting on information provided by residents, officers have continued targeted enforcement activity, resulting in a number of vehicle seizures and positive action against offenders."

He added: "It is important to emphasise that these operations are driven by community concerns.

"Our aim is not to stop people enjoying their hobbies responsibly, but to address behaviour that causes danger, nuisance and distress to others. 

"While some bikes may be used legally on private land with permission, action will be taken where riders are identified using them unlawfully in public spaces.

"Offenders involved in the illegal and antisocial use of off-road bikes can face prosecution and run the risk of having their bikes seized. 

"We will continue to take robust action to prevent and reduce the harm caused by off-road biking and I would strongly urge parents and guardians to ensure children understand the law and the potential consequences of illegal riding."