Posted on 20th February 2013
Police are appealing for information in relation to nuisance bikes causing distress to residents in the Mercia area.
Local residents from the Stenson Fields, Irvine Close and Witton Court area have raised their concerns with the local Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team.
PCSO Kate Bottomley from the team would like to reassure the local community that they are aware of the issue, she said: “We are keen to get a grip of this problem before the warmer months come.
“We want to reassure the local community that we will take action where nuisance behaviour hinders the quality of life for local people and particularly where it endangers the safety of others.
“We will be carrying out extra patrols in the vicinity and anyone caught riding an off road bike on a public footpath or on private land will be dealt with accordingly.
”Please let us know if you witness any nuisance behaviour with bikes and where possible giving a description of the individual, the bike and the time it is occurring.”
Police have the power to seize bikes from anyone caught using them illegally, including those who cause alarm or distress to others while riding these bikes.
To ride quad bikes, mini motos or other off road motorcycles, riders must be over 16 and have a valid driving licence. They must also be insured and the vehicle must have a valid MOT certificate.
Bikes can be used on private land without a licence, insurance or MOT if they have permission from the land owner. It is also an offence to push a motorbike on a road or footpath without insurance, MOT or valid driving licence.
Section 59 legislation from the Police Reform Act 2002 gives police the power to seize the vehicle if it is stopped again for a similar offence within a given time period.
If you have information about nuisance bikes in your neighbourhood please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, the non-emergency number.