The Oldham Neighbourhood Team has continued its proactive work tackling the anti-social use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and quad bikes, one of a number of issues officers are addressing across the borough to keep communities safe.

Neighbourhood officers work closely with residents, partners and specialist policing teams every day to identify and tackle the concerns that matter most to local people.

In recent months, the misuse of off-road bikes, e-bikes and quad bikes has been repeatedly raised by residents as a growing concern in Oldham.

Working alongside Specialist Operations, Roads Policing Unit officers and the Drone Unit since July, officers have maintained a strong focus on this issue throughout August as part of Operation Hurricane, a coordinated Greater Manchester-wide initiative aimed at reducing the dangerous and anti-social use of bikes.

The misuse of these vehicles poses a serious risk to both riders and members of the public.

They are often ridden at high speeds through parks, footpaths, residential streets and other areas not designed for motorised vehicles, where pedestrians, families and other road users may be present.

Their use can increase the risk of collisions and serious injury, while the noise and disruption they cause can also have a significant impact on people’s quality of life and feelings of safety within their neighbourhoods.

As a result of targeted activity carried out during August, the Oldham Neighbourhood Team has achieved the following results so far:

• 64 vehicles stopped
• Seven warnings issued
• 30 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) issued
• 14 vehicles seized
• Two individuals reported for summons
• Six arrests, including: Four for drug driving, one for dangerous driving and one for theft of a motor vehicle

• Two successful stop and searches conducted locating drugs
• Two community resolutions issued

Police Sergeant Tom Layton from Oldham Neighbourhood Team said: “Neighbourhood policing is all about being visible, listening to the concerns of local people and taking action on the issues that have the biggest impact on communities.

” Tackling the anti-social use of off-road bikes, e-bikes and quad bikes is just one part of the work we are doing to keep Oldham’s communities safe.

“These vehicles can be extremely dangerous when used irresponsibly. They are often ridden in places where people simply do not expect to encounter a motorbike or quad bike, creating obvious risks for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. A split-second decision can have serious consequences.

“The results we’ve achieved reflect the hard work and commitment of officers from across the neighbourhood team and our specialist colleagues. We will continue to take positive action against those who use these vehicles illegally or anti-socially.

“We are grateful for the support we receive from residents. The information they provide helps us build a clearer picture of what’s happening in their communities and allows us to target our activity where it can make the biggest difference.”

Anyone with information about the anti-social use of off-road bikes, e-bikes or quad bikes is encouraged to report it to Greater Manchester Police via 101, online, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.