WEST Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has unveiled the force’s new off-road bikes, paid for with cash seized from criminals’ ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The PCC has bought the motorbikes so trained officers could more easily catch offenders who tried to escape by heading off-road.
Officers from the roads policing team are now equipped with the bikes so they can patrol public parks, rough and uneven paths and even wasteland in any weather.
The PCC is aware that a sizeable number of complaints have been made by the public to West Midlands Police about people riding off-road bikes dangerously and illegally.
The new police bikes will be used in combination with drones to catch those flouting the law.
Mr Foster, said: “What better way is there to spend money that we have seized from criminals.
“These bikes will help West Midlands Police catch people who think it is okay to scare others, cause anti-social behaviour and tear up public spaces with their bikes.
“It is completely unacceptable and now West Midlands Police have the tools to put a stop to it.”
It is illegal to ride any motorbike in public open spaces such as parks, play areas and on pavements.
If a rider is caught using any type of off-road bike or quad bike and is causing a nuisance to others, they are liable to prosecution and the vehicle will be seized.
Sgt Bill Gutheridge said: “We know how much anti-social off road bikers negatively affect our communities and we are very happy we now have these bikes to tackle the issue directly.
“This summer, in your areas, you will see regular operations involving these bikes and the drones team to identify and arrest offenders.
“There will be no let-up in our efforts to combat anti-social biking as we head into the summer.”
