Motorbike Seized As New Initiative Launched

A crackdown on the use of off road bikes causing anti-social behaviour has been launched – with one motorbike seized in Caia Park.

As part of their ‘Safer Summer’ campaign North Wales Police in Wrexham have launched Operation Gaining in order to tackle to the illegal use of Motorbikes in the Wrexham area. The operation, which follows a number of complaints from residents, makes use of unmarked off-road bikes driven by specially trained Cheshire Police Officers who have the capability of following illegal motorcyclists off road.

It is hoped the initiative will eventually be rolled out across the whole area.

Local officer Sergeant Wes Williams took to Twitter to say: “Operation Gaining starts today, we’re stamping out illegal motorbikes which will be seized. Any info let us know 101.”

A photo of a motorbike, believed to have been stolen in Caia Park was later recovered. An image of the bike being removed from the area was later tweeted by PCSO Hodges.

Op Gaining, 1st bike recovered believed to be stolen on Caia Park @wrexham #whosnext #youridewewilltakeitwithpride pic.twitter.com/lbkxMuk0qn

— Wesley Williams (@NWPWWilliams) August 17, 2014

@NWPWWilliams @wrexham local residents very happy to see one less on the road, fields& footpaths. #result #OpGaining pic.twitter.com/I2L94YHeKw

— PCSO C Hodges (@NWPCHodges) August 17, 2014

Wrexham Town Centre Inspector, Paul Wycherely later tweeted to say complaints had been reacted to and that there was ‘more to come!’

Reacting to complaints of anti soc behaviour by off road m/bikes @wrexham this 1 now seized #yousaidwedid more 2 come pic.twitter.com/Ge6M1WXBuW

— Insp Paul Wycherley (@NWPPWycherley) August 17, 2014

Cheshire Police also assisted in yesterday’s initiative – with this image tweeted of members from both forces at the end of the day!

Sergeant Williams said: “In recent weeks we have seen the increased use of motorbikes and mini motorbikes in the area and particularly off road. The behaviour of these motorcyclists is not just anti-social and harmful to the environment but it can also lead to serious injury or worse.

“Our main concern is the safety of the public, which also includes the motorcyclists as they sometimes have no appreciation of the dangers particularly when riding without headgear. The operation will continue until the situation improves and will focus on increased patrols in the area, speaking to motorcyclists and when necessary taking positive action.

“We had hoped to stop this practice by means of friendly advice but an inconsiderate few remain ignorant of their actions so we will take positive action, seize machines where appropriate and prosecutions offenders.”

Op Gaining, Illegal motorbikes will continue to be tackled in North Wales @wrexham #youcanridebutyoucanthide pic.twitter.com/TZoJuIdE6j

— Wesley Williams (@NWPWWilliams) August 17, 2014

If you are concerned about the illegal use of motorbikes and mini motorbikes in the area please contact North Wales Police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111