A NEW specialist policing team has been set up to tackle issues with off-road bikes.

The new safer roads targeting team at Greater Manchester Police will be on hand for community officers if off-road bikes are being used illegally in their area.

They will be equipped with a fleet of on and off-road bikes and unmarked cars to help catch offenders.

GMP are also launching a community toolkit, giving people information on how they can help police and other agencies tackle the issue.

The toolkit will be available on the GMP website to all those who need it, with details on what information police and their partners need to take action against those who ride off-road bikes illegally.

It is designed to help tackle an issue that blights some areas in the city region.

Chief inspector Tariq Butt, who heads up GMP’s road policing unit, said: “Off-road bikes being driven illegally are a big concern for us and also for the people of Greater Manchester.

“This new team will help us tackle the issue as effectively as we possibly can, but the toolkit we have put together will also enable people to help us do this – we can all take responsibility for our communities and letting the appropriate authorities know what is happening in them.

“We need people to be active in looking after themselves and their neighbours, and this toolkit gives people the information they need to do this when it comes to off-road bikes.”

GMP currently works with local authorities and residents to tackle the problem of off-road bikes being used illegally.

Measures include gating off areas that are used, putting up warning signs or, if the problem is persistent, seizing a bike that is used illegally, taking it off the streets for good.

To view the toolkit visit gmp.police.uk/reporting/offroadbikes.