Police patrol off-road bike 'hotspots'

Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands
News imageWest Midlands Police A police officer in a hi-vis jacket is on a bike and wearing a helmet. Trees and grass are in the background on the left and a police van is on the right.West Midlands Police
Police said neighbourhood teams in Wolverhampton knew the longer days could "attract more people riding off-roaders where they shouldn't be"

Police in Wolverhampton say they are carrying out regular patrols of "hotspot areas" where there is illegal riding of off-road bikes.

Spring's extended daylight hours can see more people "riding off-roaders where they shouldn't be", posing dangers to the public as a result, according to the West Midlands force.

Bilston Neighbourhood Team said police were working to pinpoint when and where there were issues and would trace "those involved" and deal with them.

Last weekend officers were in the area around Weddell Wynd, conducting high-visibility patrols on foot and on bike, speaking to residents and dropping off leaflets which advise on ways to report nuisance riders.

Sgt Lindsey Ward said causing a nuisance with off-road bikes was not acceptable and could not only cause "a great deal of upset and disruption but can also put other people in harm's way.

"In many cases [taking action] will include us seizing bikes which are illegal."

News imageWest Midlands Police Two red and white bikes are side by side. They both have the West Midlands Police logo on the front.West Midlands Police
West Midlands Police is conducting patrols on bikes

The officer said police were asking the community to report any incidents.

As well as addressing dangerous riding, the force's leaflets also offer ways to report uninsured bikes.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Related internet links