New reminder to fuel sellers as police tackle nuisance and illegal bikes

The fight against nuisance and illegal bikes under Operation Endurance has been given a new push, thanks to the creative talents of a teenage art student.

Last month first year Northern School of Art pupil Niamh won a challenge by the force to create a new Operation Endurance logo, as well as a competition to design posters for the Force’s new “No Face No Fuel campaign.

Now Niamh’s posters are being installed at every fuel retailer in the force area.

The artwork reminds them of their obligation to stick to the terms of their licence and not sell petrol or diesel to anyone who has their face covered.

It’s also a warning to riders that in order to buy fuel, they must remove helmets and other face coverings.

Sgt Chris Turner, No Face No Fuel initiative co-ordinator and one of the design competition judges, said: “I’d like to thank the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Beyond Housing for providing the prize money for our competitions, and to congratulate Niamh once again for her excellent work.

 “Operation Endurance is one of our longest running and most important campaigns and we felt it needed a bit of a rebrand and a refresh to move with the times.

 “Retailers must adhere to the regulations regarding fuel sales and if they can’t see that the buyer is over 16 then they simply must not sell them petrol or diesel.  The posters will be an impactive and visible reminder to sellers and riders.”

 Redcar & Cleveland Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Jon Hagen added: “Every week my officers and their counterparts across the force area are seizing nuisance and illegal bikes, but we’d rather prevent them being used in the first place.  With this support from our fuel retailers, if buyers aren’t prepared to show their face then we’ll be able to cut off the fuel supply before the bikes can be used.

“I’d remind residents that police always welcome information on who’s using these bikes and where they’re being stored.  Please continue to tell us, either by using the force website, the PCC’s COPA app or by phoning 101 and we will take action.

 “If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning them on 0800 555 111.”