We're taking action and we'll hold reckless riders accountable - police crackdown on off-road bikes ASB

Operation Capio – Northumbria Police’s dedicated team addressing motorbike-related disorder – headed to Fulwell Quarry in Sunderland, on Sunday (February 8) to crack down on reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area.

Police officers were responding to reports of off-road bikes being used in what is a designated nature reserve.

Across the day, five off-road motorbikes were seized, with the riders being reported for motoring offences, whilst Sunderland City Council also deployed their drone, using their eyes in the sky to spot any illegal riders the team may have missed.

Police officers also spoke with members of the public about their antisocial behaviour concerns.

Seargent Andy Smith, who leads on Operation Capio, said: “Fulwell Quarry is one of the great green spaces Sunderland has to offer and members of the public should be able to enjoy it without the worry of off-road motorbikes being dangerously ridden.

“Just because it may seem like an appealing route to ride an off-road motorbike on, doesn’t mean it’s legal to do so.

“We carry out these days of action in order to take a collaborative approach to issues within the local area and the results we saw on Sunday show just how effective they can be.

“Let it be known that we will not be stopping there – this is just one example of the imperative work our team carry out on a daily basis.

“Thank you to the members of the public who continue to work with us and report motorbike-related disorder.

“Last year alone we made over 1,000 call backs to gather intelligence in Sunderland alone.

“We are taking action and we will hold reckless riders accountable.”

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Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council, said: "Nuisance motorbikes and e-bikes and the disruption and misery they cause are a real concern for our residents.

“That’s why we continue to work closely with Northumbria Police under Operation Capio, to tackle motorbike disorder and remove it from our streets and green spaces.

“I’m delighted that council deployed drones were able to play their part in the day of action in Fullwell Quarry.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who came forward with intelligence that fed into this crackdown and to urge residents to continue to report anti-social behaviour where they come across it, so that we can take action to address it on their behalf.”

Anyone with information about motorbike-related disorder in their local area are urged to send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or via the ‘report it’ form on their website.

You can also call 101.