Cheshire police using off-road bikes to catch mini-moto menaces

Dec 11 2009 Chester Chronicle

OFFICERS in the west of Cheshire are using the latest tool to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour…off-road.

Specially trained motorcycle police officers are using off-road bikes to catch those who use mini-motos illegally or in an anti-social way.

They will also be using the bikes to tackle other types of crime such as burglary and drug dealing, where offenders could use pathways and parks as an escape route away from the roads.

Police motorcyclist PC Andy Griffiths said: “By using these bikes, we can follow offenders where cars or road bikes cannot. Criminals who thought they were safe using alternative routes to commit crime will have to think again.

“We want to keep Cheshire’s western area a safe place and make sure residents have a safe and happy Christmas without becoming the victim of crime.”

Another issue for the motorcycle team is the anti-social and illegal use of mini-motos, mopeds, quad bikes and motorbikes.

Although the machines can be popular Christmas presents for youngsters, officers are warning parents about the dangers of buying them for their children this year.

Anyone riding any of these vehicles in public must be over 16, have insurance and a valid driving licence. The vehicle must also have a valid MOT certificate.

The bikes can be used on private land without the above, providing the landowner has given permission. Pavements, country lanes, parks, football fields, shopping centres and waste ground are not considered private land.

A rider using a bike on private land without permission or in open space such as parks will also face a charge of riding on land other than a road.

PC Glenn Sanders said: “Mini motorbikes are often bought by parents who do not realise the legal implications. They are however allowing their children to break the law by letting them use the bikes on roads and/or pavements.

“Their children run the risk of being prosecuted for motoring offences such as using a vehicle without insurance, a licence, Tax, MOT, using the correct protective equipment and dangerous driving. For an offender about to start their driving career, aged say 16-years, this can be devastating as they can find themselves banned from driving upon reaching the legal required age for getting behind the wheel.

“We also have the power to seize bikes being used illegally, so all that money on an expensive Christmas present would be wasted.

“There are safety issues to think about with these bikes as well.

“They can travel at speed and are very low down, making them almost invisible to many other road users. Many aren’t fitted with necessary safety features and all these factors are placing riders and other road users in danger, particularly in the dark or in poor weather conditions.”