Police in Harrogate are urging residents to come forward with information about the unsafe and illegal use of off-road bikes.
Residents in many areas of the town have reported ongoing issues with people riding mini-motos and trial bikes, particularly during the recent summer weather.
PC Amanda Hanusch-Moore, of Harrogate Police, said:
I would urge local residents to call and let us know whenever they witness youths riding off-road bikes so that we can build up a picture of the full extent of the problem, and respond appropriately.
This is clearly anti-social behaviour which causes a real nuisance to people who live in these localities and sometimes puts them at risk of being injured themselves by the riders’ irresponsible driving.
The riding of any off-road bikes or mini-motos in a public place is illegal unless it is on the road, the bike is fully roadworthy, taxed, insured and displaying a registration plate and the rider has a suitable DVLA license and is wearing a helmet.
The reports we have received are that young people and some adults are riding these machines on the public highway as well as in parks, pedestrian areas and areas close to schools, with no helmet and using no lights. That is quite clearly extremely dangerous, both to the rider and anyone else who happens to be in the area.
Officers are urging members of the public to make a note of the vehicle registration, make and model, as well as anything else which might distinguish the rider, so that officers can follow up enquiries.
Members of the public are urged to call 999 if an off-road bike is being driven dangerously at the time of the call, or they can report non-emergency issues and information by contacting 101. If they wish to provide information anonymously, contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
