Police seize illegal motorbike carrying child during Operation Spree
A rider carrying a young child as a passenger had their bike seized during Operation Spree, as police target the growing problem of illegal off-road motorcycling in Telford.
Police in Telford have seized a motorbike being ridden illegally with a child on the back, during its latest crackdown on antisocial off-road riding.
The operation, the fourth under Operation Spree, took place on Friday 8 August and was led by Telford’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams. It was backed up by the Operations Policing Unit, two specialist off-road officers, and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter. The day of action targeted riders using bikes illegally on public roads and land.
Officers say the rider with a young child passenger was one of several examples of reckless and dangerous behaviour encountered on the day. The bike was seized on the spot.
Sergeant Richard Jones, who headed up the operation, said:
“It is clear people are using these motorbikes in an antisocial manner, with a complete disregard for their own and the public’s safety.
“We receive reports all year round of people racing on small roads and pathways, causing considerable danger to pedestrians and other road users, often families with young children. Operation Spree allows us to act on those reports, seize the bikes involved, and in some cases have them destroyed.”
The initiative has been running since 2020, following a rise in complaints from residents about nuisance and illegal riding. Police say that while many riders believe they are just “having fun”, the consequences of using off-road bikes on public land, or private land without permission, can be serious, both legally and in terms of safety.
Funding for Operation Spree comes through the Safer & Stronger Partnership between West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Telford & Wrekin Council.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said:
“Illegal off-road bikes blight our communities. I’ve seen first-hand the work in Telford to listen and act on the public’s concerns.
“Through our partnership funding we’ll continue to support proactive patrols, reassure residents, and bring offenders to justice.”
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Deputy Leader, added:
“This is a great result for our community. We know how distressing illegal off-road biking can be for residents, and the seizure of this bike sends a strong message that this behaviour won’t be tolerated.”
Police are urging anyone with information about illegal riding in Telford to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Teams at opspree@westmercia.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
