Motorbike seized
A man has had his motorbike seized thanks to a public spirited resident of St.Helens who caught him on camera riding it illegally through a busy park.
They then reported it to council rangers who, in turn, notified the police identified the rider and seized the bike which will be destroyed.
The ‘Off road is off limits’ warning informs illegal riders that bikes will be seized if they are found riding them in parks and open spaces.
That’s the message from St Helens Council and Merseyside Police as part of Safe Space to run during summer to keep parks safe. Police are also running their own operation (Operation Croft) aimed at using Police quads/seizing bikes in problem locations.
Says Councillor Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth: “Off-road nuisance is one of the key targets of the campaign designed to curb anti-social behaviour during the lighter evenings.
“And with more ramblers, dog walkers, families and children attracted to the borough’s open spaces during spring and summer, agencies making up the Community Safety Partnership believe it’s time to remind quad, mini moto and scrambler riders of their responsibilities.”
“Riding any of these machines on public land, parks, pavements, waste ground or footpaths in St. Helens is illegal,” stressed Merseyside Police Inspector Keith McLachlan.
“If you’re using a motor vehicle that’s causing - or is likely to cause - alarm, distress or annoyance to others, your vehicle will be seized.”
Merseyside Police have stepped up patrols in areas where residents have reported problems with the anti-social use of off-road vehicles. Anyone found riding anti-socially will, where appropriate, have their vehicle seized or may be prosecuted.
Warning signs have also been put up in areas experiencing problems.
To report off-road vehicle nuisance contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0151 709 6010, or you can report without giving your details to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Caption: Before and after of bike seizure in West Park in June 2011
Before:
After:
