Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has seized more than 500 bikes and made 25 arrests as part of Operation Hurricane, a summer crackdown on illegal and anti-social riding.
Officers confiscated 503 bikes, submitted 116 traffic offence reports and issued 11 Section 59 warnings during the operation, which targeted the misuse of off-road bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, quad bikes and motorcycles.
The operation focused on areas where the use of these vehicles generated complaints, disrupted communities or created a risk to other road users and members of the public.
Specialist teams and public intelligence
Specialist officers, including teams from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU), Drone and Motorcycle Unit and National Police Air Service (NPAS), worked alongside neighbourhood policing teams to identify problem areas and take enforcement action.
Information supplied by residents played an important role in directing officers to locations where illegal or anti-social riding was reported.
The force also highlighted the potentially serious consequences of dangerous riding. Previous incidents involving these vehicles have resulted in serious injuries and fatal collisions, with the impact extending to victims' families and wider communities.
Warning to riders and buyers
Police Sergeant Grogan, from the Force Prevention Branch and lead for the operation, said: "Operation Hurricane has seen more than 500 bikes seized this summer as we continue to tackle the anti-social and dangerous use of off-road bikes in our communities.
"These vehicles can cause significant distress to residents and, in some cases, have been linked to serious injuries and fatal collisions.
"Alongside robust enforcement, we are working with partners to educate young people about the risks and encourage parents to understand the law before buying these bikes for their children.
"If you choose to ride one of these bikes illegally on our streets, you can expect it to be seized. If you're thinking of buying one, make sure you know exactly where it can legally be ridden before making that purchase."
Operation continues
While the summer peak for this type of activity has passed, the operation is not coming to an end. Officers will continue to monitor intelligence, respond to information from the public and focus enforcement on areas where offenders are identified.
Residents can help by reporting incidents involving the illegal or anti-social use of bikes, e-scooters and quad bikes. Reports can be made through 101 or the force's website. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
