Masked motorbike riders intimidating community

Young people on motorbikes and mopeds wearing face coverings are intimidating residents and motorists.

In some instances, the masked riders in Scunthorpe have filmed themselves goading police and one video has received almost two million views on TikTok.

Motorcyclist John [not his real name] filmed two men on a moped, with their faces covered, suggesting they were going to take his bike.

Ch Insp Steve Peck, of Humberside Police, said anti-social behaviour puts lives at risk and the force was "committed to putting those responsible before the courts".

John said he felt "very vulnerable" during the exchange at the traffic lights.

He said: "The one riding the bike said 'nice bike' and the one behind him said 'even nicer when it's in my pocket'."

He uploaded his footage of the incident to YouTube in an attempt to spread awareness.

He added: "It's getting a few views, so people are seeing it. Hopefully, it's saved a bike or two along the way.

John also said there was "a lot of rage" in the biker community over "bikes going missing and riders not feeling safe".

"It puts people off riding solo," he explained.

Long-running issue

Fran Hughes, 49, said she had made several calls to police when vehicles she thought were stolen had been ridden near her home.

"They have no crash helmets on, they're just wrapping t-shirts around their faces," she said.

Ms Hughes claimed anti-social behaviour on motorbikes in Scunthorpe is long-running, having first encountered a situation near her home two years ago.

"There were two young lads on a motorcycle, speeding towards me. I shouted 'stop' because I thought they were going to run me and my dog over."

Ms Hughes said she went on to challenge the boys as she believed the bike had been stolen.

She said the "older-looking boy ran off" leaving his younger companion.

Ms Hughes said she had not used her motorbike this year due to worry about it being stolen

She added: "The older boy looked about 15 at a guess and the younger boy about 11 or 12, which is worrying."

A motorcycle rider herself, she said she had not brought her bike out on to the road this year because "there has been quite a lot of reports of these youths pulling up next to you and trying to steal your bike".

Humberside Police has recently introduced Operation Yokohama, which involves officers from the roads crime team "using new specialist motorbikes to pursue and apprehend offenders".

Ch Insp Peck added: “These officers have completed specialist training, enabling them to effectively pursue offenders both on and off road to ensure prompt arrest and prevent further crime.

“The roads crime team works closely with our local neighbourhood policing team, who are part of this community, and know the area and the people here really well.

“But it is not just about enforcement, we also work hard to educate people about the dangers of riding motorcycles antisocially.

“I would encourage anybody who has any information about the offences or those responsible to please get in touch."

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