Five people have been arrested and 12 vehicles seized in Gateshead as Northumbria Police targeted motorcycle-related crime. The force's specialist road safety unit, Operation Dragoon, worked alongside neighbourhood officers during four days of action in Windy Nook and Whitehills earlier this month.
Tactics used in the operation
Officers employed a range of tactics, including plain-clothed patrols, drones and stingers to bring riders to a stop. Across the four days, five arrests were made on suspicion of offences ranging from driving without a licence or insurance to dangerous driving.
Among the 12 vehicles seized were three Sur-Ron motorcycles and two further bikes that were not fit for use on the region's roads. Gateshead Council's community safety team also worked alongside police to remind residents of the dangers motorcycles can pose.
Community engagement and education
The work included a targeted letter-drop and visits to homes around Whitehills Nature Reserve to reassure residents and encourage open communication. More than 100 students at Gateshead College took part in educational sessions on the subject.
Sergeant Andrew Hyde, of the Gateshead Neighbourhood team, said: "These results speak for themselves and demonstrate our continued commitment to tackling issues relating to motorcycle disorder.
"We recognise that enforcement alone will not change people’s behaviours and prevent the illegal use of these vehicles. That is why a lot of our activities focused on directly engaging with residents and schools in key areas of concern to remind people of the risks around motorcycle disorder.
"No-one wants to feel unsafe in their community, and I hope this goes a long way to reassuring residents that we are listening and taking action. Our work also largely depends upon the information we receive from the communities we serve.
"I’d encourage those who have any information on motorcycle disorder from our Force area to reach out to us online, so we can take the appropriate action."
Police and crime commissioner response
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth added: "The illegal use of e-scooters, bikes and off-road motorcycles is a real concern that comes up time and time again when I am out speaking with local residents.
"Northumbria Police’s targeted days of action covering everything from law enforcement to education show that officers and partners are pulling out all the stops to address this issue and keep people safe.
"This focused activity has delivered some great results recently in Gateshead and officers will keep building on work to tackle motorbike related crime and disorder throughout the Force area, I will continue to monitor this progress with keen interest."
Anyone with information regarding motorcycle disorder or the incorrect use of e-scooters or bikes is asked to contact Northumbria Police by direct message on the force's social media accounts. Members of the public can also submit a report form on the force's website, while those unable to contact police online are asked to call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
