Nuisance bikes face the crusher (From Dudley News)

Nuisance bikes face the crusher

12:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

POLICE officers in Dudley are targeting mini motorbikes in a bid to rid the area of anti social behaviour.

A number of bikes have been seized as part of operations to cut down on the number of mini motos which are causing distress and danger to many residents.

Sedgley Inspector Mark Sutton, who headed the campaign, said many of the machines are poorly maintained,in a dangerous condition and are often ridden without insurance by underage or unqualified people.

Riders caught by police often find themselves liable for arrest and prosecution.

As part of the latest operation, officers crushed a number of bikes which had been used in an anti social way around the Dudley area.

One of the bikes, which was crushed at Hewitts in Wombourne, was seized from Dixons Green and was being ridden without a rear wheel.

As a result, the 19-year-old rider was arrested and has since been charged with a number of offences including dangerous driving, driving without insurance and without a helmet and was banned from driving for 12 months.

Insp Sutton also called for members of the community to help police in their continuing campaign to clamp down on the mini motos.

He said: “The community has a great part to play in assisting us in tackling this issue.

“If you know of youngsters who take part in this anti social behaviour, please report the details to us.

“Likewise, if you are aware of residents who allow access to open spaces via their premises, again report this to us and we will take action.”

West Midlands Police are also working alongside the Fire Service by targeting petrol stations who allow sales of fuel to under 16s for use in their bikes.

Insp Sutton warned this was an offence which had similar consequences to those supplying alcohol and tobacco to a minor.

He added: “We need to work together to make Dudley a safe place to live and work, freefrom the blight of antisocial behaviour.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)