MORE than 100 off-road vehicles have been seized by police in Solihull.
Inspector Andy Bridgewater and his officers in the north of the borough have seized the bikes and other vehicles in the last 18 months.
This is part of a co-ordinated effort the Local Policing Area tram are involved in to tackle the nuisance the vehicles and riders cause.
West Midlands Police said a variety of tactics have been used; including warrants at addresses known to house nuisance off-road bikes, as well as patrols and operations involving resources from across the force including drones and our own off-road bikes team.
The force added this means the team were able to make a significant impact in taking these vehicles and their riders off the streets of Chelmsley Wood, Smith’s Wood and Castle Bromwich.
Inspector Bridgewater said: “I’m extremely proud of the work of all our officers in the north of Solihull.
“We all know what a nuisance off-road bikes can be in our parks and public spaces.
“Thanks to the efforts of the officers involved, as well as teams from elsewhere in the West Midlands who have helped our operations, we’ve taken more than 110 bikes, scooters and quadbikes off the streets.
“We know there is more to be done, so we’re again asking the public to report any nuisance and anti-social behaviour involving off-road bikes to us and the local authority.
“If we know where and when people are using them, we can plan our operations and patrols and catch riders in the act, or proactively seize them from the addresses and premises where they are stored.”
The team has been nominated for a Tilley Award – a national policing award which celebrates good work by officers across the country.
The nomination recognises the work of officers in tackling anti-social behaviour, robberies and serious youth violence by focusing on the vehicles used by offenders when they commit crimes.
