Quad bike seized after ride 'with babies up front'

A quad bike has been seized by authorities in Stoke-on-Trent after complaints about antisocial riding which included a report of babies being positioned on the front of the vehicle.

City council officers worked alongside Staffordshire Police following reports of a quad bike being used irresponsibly in the Bentilee area.

In addition to the babies incident where the council said there was no regard for safety, other reports stated children were riding the vehicle unsupervised.

A legal notice has now been issued and a bike seized, with residents at two addresses facing tenancy enforcement action.

Photographic and video evidence helped officers build the evidence needed to take action, the city council said.

Riders were observed riding without helmets or appropriate safety clothing, riding in a careless manner, causing significant damage to grassed areas and generating significant noise nuisance, the authority added.

The action forms part of ongoing work through Operation Transom to tackle the antisocial use of off-road bikes and other nuisance vehicles across the city.

Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Work like this means that people can feel safe in their neighbourhoods and enjoy the places around them without antisocial behaviour affecting their quality of life.

"We will take action where we have evidence that behaviour is causing nuisance or distress."

Inspector Will Evans from Staffordshire Police said: "We are working closely with our local partners to act on the main concerns of local people and businesses every single day in Stoke-on-Trent, and we know vehicle-related antisocial behaviour is one of those issues.

"As part of Op Transom, we're working hard to identify those responsible for these offences and to take the most effective course of action to prevent antisocial behaviour in our communities.

"It's vital that people continue to report off-road, bike-related incidents and concerns so that we can continue working closely with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to deliver positive outcomes for local people."

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