Police are launching a crackdown on 'nuisance bikers' ready for the summer holidays. The latest operation launched today (Monday 3 July) will involve increasing patrols and possibly seizing bikes.

The operation called Operation Transom involves Staffordshire Police working in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council targeting those who damage green spaces and put the public at risk.

The operation will focus on Packmoor and Chell before moving across the city. Signs have already been installed in target locations to inform people of the risks which include prosecution and vehicles being seized without further warning.

As part of Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week, Staffordshire Police are reminding people that it is against the law to ride off road bikes on green spaces and public highways. 

Sergeant Jonathan Tench, of the Stoke North LPT, said: "Tackling reports of anti-social behaviour remains a neighbourhood priority for the team and nuisance bikers are no different.

"They can be a constant source of concern within our communities and can put both the public and those riding them in danger, which we simply do not tolerate.

The operation will focus first on Packmoor and Chell before moving across the city (LDRS).

"As well as the enforcement activity taking place, we are educating parents on the legislation and dangers related to these bikes. It is important that they know that it is illegal to ride off-road bikes on any public spaces in Stoke-on-Trent. This includes parks, pavements, waste grounds or parkways."

Councillor David Williams, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for communities, education and safety, said: "Residents regularly contact me and other councillors about safety in their communities, and I want to reassure residents that we take this very seriously and community safety is our priority.

"We are working closely with our colleagues in Staffordshire Police to gather the evidence around this behaviour and will look to take any action we can when individuals are identified. Alongside the police-led action regarding the seizing and destruction of the vehicles, we will look to take tenancy enforcement action, when the individuals are identified as council tenants or who are linked to our properties. This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and action will be taken in support of residents and communities."

If you need to report nuisance bikes in your area, email Stoke-on-Trent City Council at [email protected].

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