“Take some time to really consider the impact of riding illegally in your community” - is the message from Northumbria Police in a city-wide crackdown on motorbike criminality.

More than 120 vehicles have been seized as Sunderland’s dedicated motorbike disorder team – Operation Capio – show no signs of putting the brakes on.

The team houses a cohort of neighbourhood officers, dedicated to working with partners at Sunderland City Council to tackle motorbike-related disorder within the Sunderland and Wearside area.

Their aim is to abolish the criminality head on by carrying out intelligence-led patrols, both uniformed and plain-clothed – as well as preventing any further disorder from happening in well-known hot-spot areas.

Over the past 12 months, the results seen in Sunderland and Wearside alone show Operation Capio is certainly having the desired effect, say officers.

Since January 2025 – the team have seized 126 vehicles that were non-road worthy, while making 67 arrests and court summons.

They have also served 50 troublesome riders with orders such as Community Protection Warnings and Notices.

791 pieces of intel have been gathered, and 1,041 call backs have been made to members of the public following up on reports of motorbike-related disorder in the local area.

As officers and partners continue to crack down on this type of criminality, they are urging members of the public to understand the laws around owning and riding off-road or electric motorbikes in public spaces.

Sergeant Andy Smith who leads on Operation Capio, said: “Riding an off-road or electric motorbike or scooter on any public road or path is illegal.

“Let this be a message to those who choose to purposely flout the law – we will take action.

“If you’re considering purchasing and taking to the streets on an off-road or electric motorbike or scooter, I’d ask you to think again.

“Take some time to really consider the impact of riding illegally in your community.”

He added: “We know our work is far from over and we will continue to work with partners to take action on anti-social riders and those who continue to cause unrest in our communities.

“Please continue to work with us and help be our eyes and ears on the ground.”

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see the very real difference that Operation Capio is making in our communities, taking 126 nuisance motorbikes and e-bikes off our streets in the last 12 months.

“It’s a project and team which we are wholly committed to as a council.

“We know from listening to our residents just how much of a concern nuisance motorbikes and e-bikes are for many, which is why joint operations like this are so important in the fight against motorbike related crime and disorder.

“I’d also like to thank everyone who has come forward with intelligence that has fed into the success of Operation Capio. Their continued support is crucial in helping us take nuisance motorbike and e-bikes off our streets.”

Northumbria Police are urging members of the public to include as much detail as possible when reporting motorbike-related disorder:

What and where it happened – including the time and date of the incident.
A description of the bike including colours, make, model if known or any other distinctive features including stickers
A vehicle registration or number plate
A description of riders including how many, clothing worn and helmets or headgear
Any information on where offending vehicles are being stored
If this has happened before

Motorbike-related disorder can be reported online: Report motorcycle crime or disorder | Northumbria Police

In an emergency, or when a crime is taking place, call 999.