WEST Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner have unveiled the forces new off-road bikes purchased from money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The PCC has bought the motorbikes so trained officers could more easily catch offenders who tried to escape by heading off road.
Officers from the roads policing team are now equipped with the bikes so they can patrol public parks, rough and uneven paths and even wasteland in any weather.
The PCC is aware that a sizeable number of complaints have been made by the public to West Midlands Police about people riding off-road bikes dangerously and illegally.
The new police bikes will be used in combination with drones to catch offenders who are flouting the law.
PCC Simon Foster, said: “What better way is there to spend money that we have seized from criminals.
“These bikes will help West Midlands Police catch people who think it is ok to scare others, cause anti-social behaviour and tear up public spaces with their bikes.
“It is completely unnacceptable and now West Midlands Police have the tools to put a stop to it.”
It is illegal to ride any motorbike in public open spaces such as parks, play areas and on pavements.
If a rider is caught using any type of off-road bike or quad bike and is causing a nuisance to others then they are liable to prosecution and the vehicle will be seized.
Sergeant Bill Gutheridge from Solihull local policing said: “We know how much anti-social off road bikers negatively affect our communities and we are very happy that we now have these bikes to tackle the issue directly.
“This summer, in your areas, you will see regular operations involving these bikes and the drones team to identify and arrest offenders.
“There will be no let-up in our efforts to combat anti-social biking as we head into the summer.”
