A crackdown on off-road bikers in the Greater Manchester borough is having fast results

A crackdown on the scourge of off-road bikers in the Leigh area of ​​Wigan is having fast results. On the first day of the campaign, Wigan council’s community safety team impounded three vehicles and brought two prosecutions for no insurance. They also issued a misconduct warning as well as a notice of intent to prosecute.

Operation Handbrake is part of Wigan’s Community Safety Partnership, alongside Greater Manchester Police and other partners, to address community concerns. Coun Dane Anderton, portfolio holder for policing, crime and civil affairs, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with GMP to deliver this important operation, the first patrol has already had a big impact and we intend to deliver the operation. throughout the neighborhood targeting hotspot areas.

“The safety of our residents is paramount and everyone should have the right to enjoy our public spaces all year round. These patrols reassure residents that we take our responsibility to ensure our local areas are safe and enjoyable very seriously.

READ MORE: As horrifying video was shared among neighbors, they simply said: “Jesus Christ”

“Information from residents is really important to help stop ASB, if you have witnessed or been affected by off-road vehicles please report them to us.”

Sergeant Dan Canavan, from GMP’s neighborhood policing team based in Leigh, said: “The aim of this operation is to work with partners and communities to reduce the impact of dirt bikes, which cause anti-social behaviour, through a targeted approach and tactics. approach. Information gathering will be a key area of ​​work to develop new opportunities for future prevention. We want to create safer spaces in the community, and with the help of our partners, we have undertaken a proactive, intelligence-led, highly visible operation, removing these dangerous bikes from areas enjoyed by residents.

“We have had several reports from members of the public who are fed up with off-road bikes and the anti-social behavior they bring, causing disruption to walkers, cyclists and families who want to enjoy our green spaces in the Wigan borough . This operation outlines the resources we have to address this issue and the incentives our partner agencies have taken.

“I hope these results bring positivity not only to the borough but to Greater Manchester as a whole, as it is an innovative way of tackling a widespread problem which is damaging the quality of life for many residents.” He said Operation Handbrake will run throughout the borough and officers and volunteers will continue to share tips and advice on how to report off-road vehicles during patrol days.

To report off-road vehicles, visit: Report anti-social behavior | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Information can be reported anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.