Anti-social motorcycles scheme wins national recognition

A scheme to reduce the use of illegal and anti-social motorcycles has gained national recognition. The ‘Stop Them in Their Tracks’ initiative, which is running in Middlesbrough has been announced as Regional Winner in the Tilley Awards 2008.

The ‘Stop Them in Their Tracks’ initiative was set up about 18 months ago, when Neighbourhood Policing Teams consulted with local residents about issues affecting their quality of life. In 14 out of the 23 Districts in Middlesbrough, the anti-social and illegal use of motorcycles was identified as an issue that was causing daily concern to members of the public.

The initiative involved working with young people and schools to warn them of the dangers and consequences of off-road biking, identification of hot spot areas and key times offending was taking place, additional patrols, enforcement operations to tackle offending, and a media campaign to target offenders and potential purchasers of off-road bikes in the run up to Christmas 2006.

Since June 2007, there has been a steady fall in the number of recorded incidents involving the anti-social or illegal use of motorcycles. The use of Section 59 warnings by Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers has increased, as has the seizure of motorbikes. The project continues to go from strength to strength, and elements have been adopted in the other three Districts in the Cleveland Police area to reduce nuisance caused by motorcycles.

This year is the tenth anniversary of the Tilley Awards, which were set up to recognise schemes and projects that reduce crime.

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