Southern Villages

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 Drug Related Harm

Issue
Drug dealing and substance misuse cause widespread harm across Stockton District, impacting public safety, community confidence, vulnerable individuals, businesses, and families. Drug supply is closely linked to violence, weapon possession, exploitation, ORB use, ASB, and acquisitive crime.

Strategic Alignment
•Strong on Crime – Targeting those who profit from criminality
•Trusted by Communities – Disrupting activity that causes long term neighbourhood harm
•Committed to Excellence – Intelligence led operations and safeguarding focused approaches

What We Will Do
•Proactive policing, including:
oHigh visibility and plain clothes operations
oStop searches linked to unrelated offences that identify drug possession and supply
oIntelligence led patrols and surveillance
•Execution of Misuse of Drugs Act warrants based on community and partner intelligence.
•Use of drone capability to identify street level dealing and addresses being used to supply drugs.
•Closure of drug related properties through partnership working with the Local Authority and housing providers, including closure orders and tenancy enforcement.
•Targeting exploitation, including those profiting from drug supply and those exploiting vulnerable individuals.
•Tackling associated criminality, including counterfeit goods such as illegal cigarettes and vapes.
•Education and prevention, especially for young people, focusing on:
oHealth risks
oCriminal consequences
oExploitation and long term harm
•Wrap around support for vulnerable individuals drawn into drug use or criminal exploitation.

Desired Outcomes
•Disruption of drug supply networks
•Reduced visible drug dealing and use
•Protection of vulnerable individuals
•Reduction in drug related ASB and violence
•Safer communities and improved public confidence

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.