Officers and PCSOs from the Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) across the East of the city continue working hard to combat the problem of nuisance motorcycles in the area.

Operation Kawasaki was conducted on Sunday 11th April 2010, acting on the concerns raised by local residents about motorcycles being ridden in an antisocial manner. During the operation, officers seized a quad bike and three motorcycles from the Manor, Beighton and Hackenthorpe areas.

Officers responded to all incidents on Sunday with the intention of taking positive action against riders who make the lives of others miserable through, noise and the destruction of valuable open spaces.  It is illegal to ride motorbikes on any land including wasteland, woodland, council land and private land, unless the owner has given permission.

Notices have been erected in a number of known hot spot locations, forewarning riders that if they ride within these areas the vehicle may be seized. Under the Police Reform Act 2002, police have powers to seize any motorbike being driven in a manner that causes harassment, alarm or distress to members of public. Riders are liable to pay for the recovery of the vehicle, a fine, and points on licenses or a formal prosecution at court. In specific circumstances, police have the power to destroy seized vehicles, It is therefore in the interest of motorbike enthusiasts to familiarise themselves with the law.

Inspector Jason Booth who leads the Woodhouse and Mosborough Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We will continue to work with our partners to address this problem that affects the lives of people in our community. We will persist in taking positive action against anyone found to be riding motorcycles or quad bikes on public land; it may result in the seizure of the vehicle.

“Our efforts will remain focused over the summer months and we will be utilising the force helicopter to identify riders. We need the public’s help in identifying the owners and riders of these bikes. Calls will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and details can be left on our automated service on 0114 296 3779”.