Off-road motorbikes and antisocial behaviour targeted in Caia Park

A police operation targeting the use of off-road motorcyclists in Caia Park took place yesterday.

It comes as a result of a series of complaints about an increase in antisocial behaviour involving off-road motorbikes in the area.

As a result officers from Wrexham town neighbourhood policing team along with the roads policing unit conducted a proactive operation targeting yesterday afternoon.

PC Daniel Rees said: “We were joined by local councillors Carrie Harper and Stephen Jones who came to see first-hand what action police were taking and to discuss what action can be taken collaboratively.

“We spoke to the owners and riders of five off road motorbikes who we spotted throughout the day.

“Details were obtained and where any offences are identified the riders will be reported for prosecution and action taken through Wrexham County Borough Council housing department where appropriate.”

Plaid Cymru Councillor Carrie Harper, welcomed the police operation, stating that she receives a lot of complaints about illegal motorbikes and quads being used in the summer months.

“There are huge safety concerns when these bikes use local fields and footpaths and there have been a number of close calls involving children and adults,” said Cllr Harper.

“There are also safety concerns for those riding the bikes who often don’t wear helmets and are reckless on local roads.

“I’m glad to see the police responding to public concerns about this, it’s become a regular problem in terms of anti social behaviour and public safety.

“The police also tell me that the bikes are often linked to other criminal activity in the area as well, so any efforts to get the message across that this will be dealt with is welcomed.”

Cllr Harper added: “It was an interesting experience accompanying officers on Sunday to see first hand the work they’re doing.

“Local officers stopped a number of individuals to give advice about the use of these bikes and we also had specialist officers trained to use motorbikes in the area to respond as needed. It’s clearly an issue that is being taken very seriously”.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones added: “I welcome this type of operation, many of the off-road bikes are illegal and are in a dangerous condition and do detrimentally affect the quality of life of the residents of Caia Park not to mention the danger to pedestrians and young children playing.

“Residents can report information directly to the local policing team by email or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”.

The operation will continue throughout the summer. Anyone with any information about the illegal use of motorbikes on the estate is urged to contact North Wales Police on 101 or via the online webchat system.

The local Caia team can be reached on [email protected]