Seized quad bikes crushed in clampdown on illegal riders

 

Quad bikes which were seized by Cleveland Police have been destroyed as part of a crackdown on illegal and antisocial riders.

A total of six quads were crushed on Trunk Road, Middlesbrough on Thursday, December 15, as Chief Constable Mark Webster vowed to continue the force’s proactive work.

The quads were seized and crushed as part of Operation Endurance – an ongoing campaign which tackles anti-social behaviour caused by off-road bikes in local communities across Cleveland.

As part of the operation, the force launched ‘Back on Track’ which sees young people engage in a six-week educational programme to enhance their knowledge on bikes and quads.

The scheme has been developed by Cleveland Police and will be funded by the area’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Steve Turner.

During the scheme, sixty young people from the Redcar and Cleveland area will be given vital health and safety information around bikes and will be taught about the laws around their use.

The aim of the programme is to help break down barriers and build on positive relationships with youth workers, Police officers, the Fire Service and the force’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team.

Cleveland Police’s Chief Constable Mark Webster said: “Illegal and antisocial usage of these off-road bikes is a blight on our communities. We know this type of activity is a concern for residents and we, as a force, take these incidents very seriously.

“We want to send out a clear message that this will not be tolerated. If you ride your off-road bike illegally then your bike can not only be seized but it can also be crushed too.

“This is, however, only one of the measures we are implementing to tackle the issue. Education and engagement work is already underway to help change the culture of riding off-road bikes among young people.

“We hope that by learning about the legal consequences of riding these bikes and also the risk of seriously hurting or even killing themselves it may dissuade these young people from getting on these bikes in the first place.”

PCC Steve Turner has released funds raised by the seizure of money or assets gained by criminal activity.

 Steve said: “Residents regularly tell me about the disruptive impact nuisance riding has on their communities, so it’s great to see the Force’s tough response to those responsible.

“Alongside effective enforcement by Cleveland Police, it’s important we get the educational message right to help prevent young people becoming antisocial riders in the first place.

“The Back on Track scheme will allow agencies to have a positive influence on young people - helping foster positive interests in bikes and mechanics, whilst warning about the dangers and legal consequences of riding irresponsibly.”

Do you have information about criminal activity in your area? If so, call us on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org