The video shows police hiding and jumping out of bushes in front of the scrambler bikes

A video captures the moment police jump out of the bushes and stop the scrambler bikes.

A major crackdown is underway to tackle the scourge of off-road bikes in the borough of Wigan. In the clip, shared by Greater Manchester Police, officers can be seen hiding in bushes before jumping in front of the dirt bikes.

In the footage, officers can be seen standing in front of the vehicles, with one shouting: “Stop where you are… stop the engine”. The officer adds, “You know you’re not meant to be here, right?” Police seized three dirt bikes on the first day of Operation Handbrake, with one stolen bike recovered.

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The borough of Wigan has around 70% of its area designated as green space, with two canals running through large parts of the area. Police said a growing number of scrambler bikes have been attracted to the trails and towpaths in the area.

A section 59 warning – which relates to a vehicle being used in a manner that causes alarm, annoyance or annoyance – and a notice of intended prosecution were issued. Also, two people were prosecuted for lack of insurance.

Sergeant Dan Canavan, from GMP’s neighborhood policing team based in Leigh, said: “We want to create safer spaces in the community and with the help of our partners we undertook a proactive, intelligence-led, highly visible operation, achieving these dangerous. bikes away from areas enjoyed by residents.

“We have received several reports from members of the public who are fed up with dirt bikes and the anti-social behavior they bring, causing disruption to walkers, cyclists and families who want to enjoy our green spaces in Wigan Borough” .

GMP said a range of tactics will be used as part of the operation, including the use of a drone to locate and track cyclists. The force said the presence of unlicensed dirt bikes and quads on footpaths, bridleways and towpaths – and the way they are driven – brings them “into conflict with legitimate users of green space”.

Inspector Sam Davies, from GMP’s neighborhood team in Wigan, added: “Ultimately, those people who wish to use off-road vehicles illegally must understand that they are having a serious, detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents and there will be repercussions on their behavior. This also applies to those who help transport off-road vehicles to and from neighborhood locations.”

Information can be passed to GMP by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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