Crime and policing must tackle scourge of off-road bikes

The scourge of illegal off road biking must be challenged by antisocial behaviour rules in the new Crime and Policing Bill, says local Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart.

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Home Affairs raised the intimidating behaviour of illegal bikes as part of the debate on the Bill in the House of Commons this week. 

Lisa Smart said: “Anti-social behaviour blights communities. It erodes trust, frays the social fabric and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. I see it in my own constituency.

“We see illegal off road bikes in Heaviley, in Marple, in Offerton, in High Lane. They are a persistent blight on my community. They intimidate people and they endanger public safety.”

She also encouraged people to report the issue to the police particularly during the current Operation Hurricane in Stockport was taking place, targeting off road bikers. 

She added: “I want people to be safe on the streets, and to know that when they pay their taxes towards policing, they see beat officers on the streets as a result. 

“It is great that we have extra officers in the area targeting this persistent nuisance. I share people’s frustrations about reports that feel like they disappear off into the ether – right now they can make the most impact. 

“This is something that is not just an issue today, it has been an issue for months and years, and that is why I have been working so hard on getting extra resources and support for Greater Manchester Police to do something about it.

“We need everyone pulling together – residents, lawmakers and law enforcers, to make sure that the lawbreakers don’t get away with it any more.”