A MAN has been arrested following an off-road bike operation after concerns were raised about ongoing anti-social behaviour in Coventry.
Officers from the Foleshill neighbourhood team were assisted by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) for the operation on November 18, which saw police patrol North Coventry looking for stolen cars and bikes.
The NPAS plane was able to track people during pursuits, offering a bird’s eye view for officers on the ground and helping them spot and track suspects who might otherwise be able to flee.
The team spotted multiple scramblers and bikes within minutes of their patrol beginning.
With the plane’s support, police pursued a stolen moped to the Wood End area where the rider ditched the bike and fled on foot.
Traffic and neighbourhood officers then surrounded the house he ran to before entering and finding him hiding under a bed.
The man was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle and handling stolen goods, with the stolen moped also recovered.
Sgt Deborah Walker said: “Thanks to the support of the plane two offenders were arrested.
“These bikes are often driven dangerously on roads and green spaces causing significant upset to our local communities.
“Some are stolen and being used to commit crime such as theft, burglary and other related offences.
“We are aware of the distress and disruption caused in the community by off-road bikes and are continuing to take action against it wherever and whenever we receive intelligence.
“Over the last year we have conducted several of these operations and will be targeting people who use these vehicles in an anti-social and dangerous way.
“We are warning offenders who continue to drive these machines illegally and putting the public at risk that they will be caught.
“Their vehicles will continue to be seized.”
