Moped driver crashes into tree during police chase in Sheffield as officers crack down on criminals using bikes

South Yorkshire Police has more than doubled the size of its off-road team after seeing an increase in the number of reports of anti-social behaviour involving off-road bikes and quad bikes since the start of lockdown on March 23.

A further seven officers have joined the six-person team on a full-time basis to conduct daily operations and patrols in so-called hotspot areas across South Yorkshire.

Police dealt with several incidents of anti-social and criminal behaviour involving bikes in Sheffield on Friday.

While patrolling through Richmond, officers spotted “a large group of lads”, including some on scooters.

“After a bit of starburst action one of the riders of the black scooter got it a bit wrong,” a post on the South Yorkshire Police Off Road team Facebook page read.

“Whilst trying to get away on the pavement he attempted a 360 and hit a tree.”

Police said the rider initially ran off but returned to receive “a cannabis caution, have his bike seized and be dealt with for traffic offences.”

Patrols also took place in Gleadless following a “spike in complaints from concerned residents and councillors”, police said, with a specific focus on Cat Lane and Abney Drive.

During one patrol a pit bike failed to stop, with the rider switching back to try and shake off the officers in pursuit.

“Thank you to the residents who assisted us play hide and seek,” police said.

“The bike was found behind the fire door in a block of flats on Callow Drive.”

CCTV is now being checked to identify the rider of the bike, which has been involved in anti-social behaviour and illegal riding.

Later that day police caught a group of males doing wheelies on a motorbike on Abney Drive and seized the bike, which had no insurance. Police said a person had just arrived from Goole in East Yorkshire to buy the motorbike.