Police to set up specialist team to target illegal off-road bikers ‘head on’

A problem blighting dozens of communities across Greater Manchester is to be the subject of ‘decisive steps’ by the police.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that a specialist off road bike unit will be re-established for the region in the coming weeks to address off-road motorcycle anti-social behaviour and related crime.

In a letter to councillors in Bolton who recently debated a motion on the issue, a spokesman for GMP’s specialist operations branch gave an update.

They said: “The specialist operations branch is taking decisive steps to address off-road motorcycle anti-social behaviour and related crime.

“In the coming weeks, a dedicated unit will be launched to tackle this problem head-on.

“This unit will operate on an intelligence-led basis, utilising regular analysis of data and trends to effectively deploy resources across Greater Manchester.

“Rest assured, the re-establishment of this specialised unit underscores our commitment to tackling the persistent problems caused by off-road bikes.

“We recognise the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents, as well as protecting our green spaces and local amenities from damage.”

Some illegal off-road bikers face having their bikes seized, or even crushed.

It has been reported previously that neighbourhoods in Oldham were being blighted by ‘illegal dirt bikes’ being ridden at ‘all hours’ and a spate of antisocial behaviour and crime.

The issues, in the areas of Derker and Sholver, north of the town centre, were raised at a meeting of the full council.

However, bosses said the ability of police to pursue people riding off-ride bikes and dirt bikes was being restricted by the riders not wearing helmets which raises risks during any pursuit.

In 2021, residents in Stockport said their local playing fields are being plagued by off-road bikes and antisocial behaviour.

Davenport Playing Fields were described as a ‘no-go area for residents’ after claims they’ve been taken over by groups of teenagers driving bikes dangerously and carrying out drug deals.

An 11-year-old boy was taken to hospital with a head injury after being hit by a scrambler bike on the fields.

The motorbike rider was also taken to hospital.

The problem has been persistent in the east of Bolton in the Breightmet and Little Lever areas.

Sharing the letter from GMP, Breightmet councillor Sean Fielding said: “The specialist team had been disestablished some years ago due to the cuts.

“The new will be deployed on an “intelligence-led” basis and so please report them to the non-emergency channels when you see them, so that Breightmet and Blackshaw comes up on the heat map of where to send it.”

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