Police launch campaign to put brakes on illegal use of scrambler bikes

The annual summer crackdown, Operation Brookdale, will again centre on areas across Merseyside where communities have suffered from the illegal and anti-social use of scrambler bikes, off road vehicles and quad bikes.

During the operation, officers will use a variety of tactics and pay particular attention to roads, parks and any land to which the public have access to.

Superintendent Jenny Sims said: “Operation Brookdale focusses on areas where communities have told us there is a problem with scrambler bikes.

“With the arrival of light nights, there is a likelihood that riders of these bikes may be tempted to ride them more often, causing further disruption and misery to our communities and we just won’t tolerate it."

Neighbourhood officers will be supported by officers from the specialist roads policing department, vehicle crime and the mounted and dog sections.

Superintendent Sims added: "Merseyside Police will not tolerate the illegal, or anti-social use of scrambler, or quad bikes but we need the public to tell us where these bikes are being stored and who is using them, so we can take action and take these bikes out of circulation.

“Last year every address the public told us about, was visited by officers. If you provide us, or Crimestoppers information, about the use of these bikes, I can assure you, we will take action.

"Sometimes the riders of these bikes don't understand the consequences for local communities and the harm that the use of these bikes can cause.

"In the wrong hands these bikes are potentially lethal and people need to understand the potential consequences of driving these bikes irresponsibly.

"Working together with local people and partner agencies, we are determined to tackle riders who are blighting our neighbourhoods. Our communities should be reassured that Merseyside Police is working hard to take nuisance vehicles and the criminals who use them off our roads.

"Anyone who takes to the roads illegally and poses a danger to pedestrians and other motorists on our roads risks losing their licence, their vehicle and, if their reckless driving results in injury or death, they will face a prison sentence. My message to these people is ask yourself - is it worth the risk?"

During the operation the following activity will take place:

• High visibility police patrols, including officers on scramblers and quad bikes, on roads, parkland and other public spaces

- Use of the National Police Air Service (helicopter) to act as an eye in the sky and monitor the use of these bikes, wherever they be in areas inaccessible to officers on foot on in a vehicle on the ground

• Plain clothes patrols

• The use of locally gathered intelligence to target places where illegal bikers are known to ride

• Enforcement of traffic law on the highway to restrict the activities of legal riders on our roads

• Education in the schools about the dangers of these bikes and the laws surrounding their use

• Visits to petrol stations by officers and PCSOs