Off-road bikes seized in crackdown

Eleven illegal bikes were seized as part of a crackdown in Wolverhampton.

Police from Bilston and East Park teams were supported by its off-road and road harm prevention teams, as well as air support from the National Police Air Service, as they targeted the anti-social use of bikes.

Two electric dirt bikes were seized, with one being ridden by a 13-year-old, and three illegally modified e-bikes were recovered.

A 29 year-old man was charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop for officers. He has been released on bail and will appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on 14 July.

The force said action from the crackdown, on Friday, included:

• One person arrested for dangerous driving and theft

• Two Surrons being seized, with one being ridden by a 13-year-old

• Two suspected stolen bikes recovered

• Three illegally modified e-bikes recovered

• A motocross-style bike seized on public open land, in the possession of 13-year-olds

• Two riders detained over driving offences, including no insurance

• A total of 11 illegal bikes removed

Others stopped would be dealt with at a later stage, the force added, following further enquiries.

Sgt Lindsey Ward is in charge of the city's dedicated operation targeting off-road bikes.

"We will keep running operations like this until those who are causing issues for the local community get the message, that they'll not get away with making people's lives a misery and causing harm," she said.

"We know how much this means to the people of Weddell Wynd, Bilston, and the whole of our city and we will continue to use all the resources we have at our disposal to go after those committing crime and anti-social behaviour."

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