Police in new crackdown on off-road bikers in Sheffield hotspots

The Sheffield North West neighbourhood policing team joined forces with colleagues from the off-road bike team in a two-day operation to tackle illegal biking in communities.

APPEAL: Men wanted by South Yorkshire Police over attack with metal bars

Officers targeted Walkley, Hillsborough and Stocksbridge, utilising off-road bikes, police cars and vans to identity offenders.

NATIONAL: Madeleine McCann suspect is convicted rapist

Sergeant Simon Kirkham said: “We listened intently to the communities and co-ordinated our resources and secured fantastic support from the off-road bike team to ensure that we can tackle the issues that matter to you the most.

“We have visited addresses of those that have been identified in riding their bikes in an anti-social manner and issued warnings. If these riders continue to ignore their warnings, their bikes will be seized.

“Our seizures made included an off-road bike from Smithymoor Road, alongside the rider’s helmet that we believe to be linked to previous incidents; a scooter that has been reported as causing a nuisance, which also had no insurance and an off road motorcycle that was abandoned after the off-road bike team spotted it in Walkley. We believe the bike may be stolen and our enquiries into the circumstances are continuing.”

GALLERY: See who's been locked up by South Yorkshire courts in the last month

Sgt Kirkham added: “We want to make our areas a safer, more enjoyable place to live and to know that residents are seeing a difference makes our hard work and efforts are worthwhile.

“Our action continued into the day and following reports from a pensioner that vehicles are being used for drug and anti-social activity. We will listen and we will take action.”

Warnings were issued to a repeat nuisance scooter rider in Wisewood and three off-road bikers.

Alongside the off-road bike activity, PCSOs carried out vehicle checks on Loxley Road and outside Wisewood Junior and Infant School.

PCSO Nicola Doolan-Harmer, who co-ordinated the operation said: “It’s great to work with this new team who have only formed a few weeks ago.“We have a dedicated policing team in this area and this operation is a statement of more to come.”