Police seize two motorbikes in crackdown on illegal off-roading in South Hylton

Officers were called to Southside Gardens in South Hylton, shortly before 4.45pm on Thursday, April 15 after receiving a report that the motorbikes were causing a disturbance.

Police attended the scene, prompting one of the motorists to attempt to flee however he fell and subsequently needed hospital treatment.

It has been reported that officers believe one of the bikes is stolen and that inquires into the incident are currently ongoing.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 4.45pm yesterday (Thursday) we received a report of motorbikes causing a disturbance near Southside Gardens in South Hylton.

"When officers have attended the scene, one of the motorists has attempted to flee, but fell and sustained an injury. He subsequently attended hospital for treatment.

"Officers seized two bikes, one of which was believed to be stolen and enquiries in to this are ongoing.”

It comes less than a week after officers were called to Cartright Road in Castletown where they seized a suspected stolen quadbike, which teenagers were spotted riding in a street and causing distress to nearby families.

Following yesterday’s incident, Neighbourhood Inspector Marie Pollock has vowed that the Force will continue to target motorbike-related anti-social behaviour.

She commented: "We understand the detrimental effect anti-social behaviour can have on our communities which is why we are continuing to target motorbike-related disorder and take these vehicles off our streets.

“We have dedicated patrols in place in hotspot areas to tackle this type of criminality, and I would like to reiterate that this is far from a victimless crime – the actions of a minority who tear around on these bikes can make the most vulnerable in our society feel intimidated and frightened.

“We will continue to take action and keep our communities safe from motorbike-related crime and ensure anyone found responsible is dealt with swiftly."

From May 1, Sunderland City Council will introduce tougher restrictions across Wearside to tackle anti-social behaviour.

As part of the newly updated Public Space(s) Protection order, a ban on motorcycles or quad bikes being ridden in any open public space will be introduced.

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