Northern Parishes

Off-road motorbikes

The criminal use of off?road bikes within the Stockton (outer) wards remains a priority issue and Cleveland Police will not tolerate this behaviour.

A series of targeted off-road bike operations have been conducted to raise awareness of offences, provide advice to the public, identify offenders, pursue prosecutions and seize any off?road bikes being used illegally on public roads.

Officers have seized multiple motorbikes in Thornaby and Yarm, including two off?road bikes recovered in Yarm on New Year’s Eve.

Several drivers have been prosecuted for road?traffic?related offences linked to the illegal use of off-road bikes.

On 1 February 2026, the Stockton Outer team carried out their monthly off?road bike operation, resulting in the seizure of four bikes from the Low Grange area of Billingham.

Monthly partnership meetings continue to take place, enabling the sharing of intelligence regarding where off?road bikes are stored and who is riding them. This information supports the application for warrants and the delivery of intelligence?led enforcement activity, ensuring resources are used effectively.

Residents are encouraged to report any sightings or concerns relating to off?road bikes in their area. Cleveland Police will act on all information received, attend relevant addresses, seize bikes being used illegally and prosecute riders for any associated offences.

Drug dealing and youth related anti-social behaviour

Police have responded to multiple reports of drug-related activity across the Stockton (outer) wards and achieved a series of significant outcomes throughout January.

On the 10 January, officers from outer Stockton neighbourhoods arrested a 26-year-old man, who was subsequently charged and remanded for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and spice. He is currently in prison, awaiting sentencing.

On the 17 January, officers were conducting plain clothes patrols in Thornaby when they have witnessed a male on a Surron bike dealing drugs. The officers have managed to detain the man before he could make off. Over £2,500 worth of class A drugs were located on the man, and his bike was seized. The suspect was charged and remanded for a number of offences.

On the 18 January, officers have pursued a vehicle in the Thornaby area, the vehicle has then crashed – subsequent area searches have led police to a 40-year-old male who was arrested on possession of class A with intent to supply and was remanded.

On 25 January, officers have stopped and searched a vehicle and located six wraps of cocaine on the driver. A further search of his home address was conducted and a large amount of MDMA was located – the suspect was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

On 27 January, officers have stopped and searched a 55-year-old man. He was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and arrested for possession with intent to supply. He was interviewed and bailed pending further enquiries.

Later on the same day, officers have then conducted arrest attempts on Eggleston Terrace in Stockton, for a man connected with a drugs line. When officers have attended the property, drugs have been thrown onto the roof and with the assistance of Cleveland Fire Brigade, an ounce of crack cocaine was recovered. A 25-year-old man and a 19-year-old-man were both arrested and remanded into custody and are due to appear in court on 28 January.

Police continue to encourage members of the public to report any information relating to drug dealing or associated activity within their area. All intelligence received will be assessed, corroborated where possible, and used to support enforcement action and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.

Anti-social behaviour

Reassurance patrols targeting anti social behaviour continue to be carried out across all wards.
Thornaby town centre previously experienced a notable rise in anti-social behaviour incidents involving local youths. Officers have worked closely with partner agencies to identify those responsible, taking positive action to divert individuals into appropriate activities and pursue prosecutions where necessary.

There has been an increase in incidents involving youths throwing stones at cars, taxis and buses in the Thornaby area. In response, patrol activity has been intensified, resulting in a significant reduction in offences—approximately an 80% decrease month on month.

Officers continue to work alongside the local authority to issue AS13 forms and anti social behaviour contracts to individuals involved in persistent anti-social behaviour. Recent examples include the issuing of seven AS13 forms to youths causing disruption at Billingham library and two ABCs to youths involved in incidents at McDonald’s in Thornaby town centre.

Police have collaborated with housing associations to support tenancy enforcement, including evictions for persistent breaches linked to anti-social behaviour.

Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) have been obtained for offenders who repeatedly engage in criminal and anti social behaviour.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the risks and consequences of engaging in anti social behaviour, including the dangers associated with throwing stones at vehicles and properties. These actions pose serious consequences to both the perpetrators, and the victims and early intervention can help prevent harm and further enforcement action.

Criminal Use of Bikes and Associated Criminality

Issue
The illegal use of off road motorbikes, quad bikes, e scooters and illegally adapted e bikes continues to be a significant source of harm across Stockton District. These vehicles are linked to anti social behaviour, community intimidation, road safety risks, and wider criminality including drug supply, possession of offensive weapons, and suspects evading police.
Strategic Alignment
•Strong on Crime – Hard hitting enforcement against offenders and organised criminality
•Trusted by Communities – Visible action on issues residents repeatedly raise
•Committed to Excellence – Problem solving and lawful, effective use of powers

What We Will Do
•Targeted enforcement operations across Central and Outer Stockton, including ongoing use of Operation Endurance, supported by specialist resources such as Matrix teams and drones.
•Identification of riders and storage locations through community intelligence, partnership information sharing, and proactive patrols.
•Use of seizure, entry and destruction powers – seized bikes are destroyed to prevent recirculation and repeat offending.
•Environmental and problem solving activity (“designing out crime”) in hotspot areas, including:
oBarriers and access restrictions
oLighting improvements
oPathway alterations
oLong term solutions with the Local Authority and housing providers
•Education and early intervention, particularly with young people, through schools and youth settings to highlight:
oLegal restrictions
oSafety risks
oConsequences including seizure, prosecution, and long term impact
Desired Outcomes
•Reduction in ORB related ASB and criminality
•Increased seizures and disruption of offenders
•Improved road and pedestrian safety
•Sustained reduction in repeat hotspots
•Increased community confidence and reassurance

Anti Social Behaviour by Youths

Issue
Youth related anti social behaviour continues to affect residents and businesses, particularly complaints of disorder, intimidation, nuisance behaviour, criminal damage, and low level violence. Without early intervention, this behaviour risks escalating into more serious offending.
What We Will Do
•High visibility patrols in identified hotspots to deter offending and reassure communities.
•Targeting repeat locations and individuals through intelligence led tasking.
•Use of enforcement tools, including:
oCommunity Protection Notices (CPNs)
oCriminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs)
oTenancy enforcement where appropriate
•Early intervention and prevention, working closely with:
oYouth services
oSchools
oFamilies
oCommunity and voluntary organisations
•Problem solving with partners to address the underlying causes of youth ASB, including vulnerability, lack of engagement, and peer influence.

Desired Outcomes
•Reduction in youth related ASB
•Improved behaviour in public and residential spaces
•Prevention of escalation into serious crime
•Increased reassurance for residents and businesses