A TOUGH approach to tackle nuisance behaviour with renewed focus has brought significant results for Wigan Council and safety partners.

Operation Handbrake, an initiative aimed at reducing illegal off-road biking across the borough, was launched earlier this year.

The borough's Community Safety Partnership, which includes Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police, reported a 30 per cent drop in incidents over the five-month initiative.

Particularly targeted hotspot areas like Bickershaw Country Park and Lowton have seen a 50 per cent reduction, while Worsley Mesnes and its surrounding areas have witnessed an impressive 98 per cent drop.

The operation led to the arrest or prosecution of 13 individuals and the seizure of 42 vehicles, collectively valued at £210,000.

However, despite the successes in the initiative, some residents have still reported concerns with anti social behaviour and off-road bikers.

Around Dootson Park, some residents even described the situation as being "trapped in a nightmare of lawless anarchy", and many more have complained of similar incidents on social media.

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Off-road bike tracks on Dootson ParkOff-road bike tracks on Dootson Park (Image: LDRS) Councillor Dane Anderton, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime, and civil contingencies, said: "We know how much off-road biking can impact negatively on our communities and I hope the initial success of this campaign shows that we take issues of anti-social behaviour very seriously."

He credited the success of the operation to the residents' reports, which provided crucial intelligence for swift and effective action against offenders.

He urged residents to continue reporting any incidents of off-road vehicles.

He said: "Resident intelligence is really important to helping stop anti-social behaviour."

As part of the initiative, a campaign to increase reporting has been launched, with targeted messaging, leaflets, and posters shared across the borough.

Councillor Anderton said: "This initial success won’t make us complacent; we will continue to work together to tackle issues that we know are impacting on our communities."

Inspector Sam Davies of GMP’s Wigan district said: "We understand that in the past this type of criminality has been quite rightly a concern for many residents who live in Wigan and Leigh and as a team, we have listened to you and are continuing to take action against those who think they can continue to break the law in this way."

He urged the community to report any incidents or suspicious behaviour, promising that their concerns would be acted upon.

To report off-road vehicles, visit the Greater Manchester Police website or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.