Hundreds of off-road bikes seized in crackdown

Insp Chris Moss says the use of off-road bikes often leads to criminal damage and prevents people from enjoying open spaces

Staffordshire Police says it has seized 275 off-road bikes this year as part of a citywide operation in Stoke-on-Trent to crack down on nuisance riders and the damage they cause.

The purge, Operation Transom, was initially launched in 2023 in response to growing concerns by residents.

Illegal motorbikes have been seen racing up and down streets and tearing up sports fields in the city and north Staffordshire.

Not all of the vehicles seized were involved in off-road biking – some were recovered after being stolen, abandoned or found uninsured, the force said.

In the past year thousands of pounds' worth of damage has been done at Burslem Golf Club by bikes leaving tyre marks all over the course.

Bikers also ripped up Birchenwood playing fields in Kidsgrove, and the park in the village of Derrington, just outside of Stafford.

Earlier this year, Yvette Cooper, the then home secretary, said of the issue: "Some of these off-road bikes are a total nightmare.

"They drive communities up the wall, it's the harassment and the intimidation that they can also cause."

Insp Chris Moss said using off-road bikes could result in people being seriously injured, and the issue often led to criminal damage and prevented people from enjoying open spaces.

The force deploys drones as well as a fixed-wing plane to provide a birds-eye view of where the bikers are.

Police also have their own off-road bikes which can be used in pursuits.

Insp Moss said the force wanted to educate people so that they understood the problems.

One way to do this, he said, was by donating one of the seized bikes to Stoke-on-Trent College to help communicate the dangers to young people who may not understand the risks involved.

It will be used as an educational tool for learners to examine and use in practical teaching sessions.

"I'm pleased that this motorbike is being put back into the community for positive use," Insp Moss said. "I hope it proves valuable for young people's education."