Crackdown on nuisance behaviour as patrols target illegal bikes

With the use of off-road bikes a common problem in Leigh in recent years, the first day of 'Operation Handbrake' saw three vehicle seizures, two no-insurance prosecutions, one section 59 warning, and a notice of intended prosecution served.

Operation Handbrake is a part of Wigan Borough’s Community Safety Partnership work, which sees Wigan Council team up with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and other partners to tackle community concerns.

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Three vehicle seizures were made on the first day of the operation (Image: GMP)
Councillor Dane Anderton, portfolio holder for police, crime, and civil contingencies, said: “We are proud to work in partnership with GMP to deliver this important operation, the first patrol has already made a big impact and we intend to carry out the operation throughout the borough, targeting hotspot areas.

“The safety of our residents is paramount, and everyone should be entitled to enjoy our public spaces all year round.

“These patrols reassure our residents that we take our responsibility to ensure our local areas are safe and enjoyable very seriously.

 “Resident intelligence is really important to helping stop ASB, if you have witnessed or been affected by off-road vehicles, please report it to us.”

Drones were used in the operation (Image: GMP)
Sergeant Dan Canavan, of GMP’s neighbourhood policing team based in Leigh, added: “The aim of this operation is to work with partners and the communities to reduce the impact of off-road bikes, which are causing antisocial behaviour, through a targeted and tactical approach. Intelligence 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 and intelligence-led, highly visible operation, getting these dangerous bikes away from areas which residents enjoy.

“We’ve had several reports from members of the public who are fed up with off-road bikes and the antisocial behaviour they bring, causing disruption to the walkers, cyclists and families who want to enjoy our green spaces across the Wigan district.

“This operation showcases the resources we have to tackling this issue and the incentives being taken by our partner agencies.

“I hope these results bring positivity to not only the district but Greater Manchester as a whole given it is an innovative way of tackling a wide-spread problem which damages the quality of life of many residents.”

Operation handbrake will be carried out across the borough, officers and volunteers will continue to share advice and tips on how to report off-road vehicles during the patrol days.

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

You can report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website at crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.