OFFICERS in Rubery are encouraging residents to get in touch about off-road bikes being ridden in their neighbourhood.
Police are aware of concerns regarding the bikes being used in an anti-social manner on housing estates and local beauty spots, including on the Cofton Park estate.
They have received multiple calls from the Cofton Hackett and Rubery area due to the concerns over recklessness, and the danger that these illegal bikes may cause to the local community.
Last week, officers seized two off-road bikes – one in Cofton and one in Rubery – thanks to help from the public.
The force are now keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed similar incidents to get in touch with us or our partner agencies, such as housing associations.
Police say there are various tools being used to eradicate anti-social behaviour caused by individuals riding these bikes including community protection warnings (CPWs) – which can lead to community protection orders (CPOs) – to prevent further incidents and protect the community.
They are also making efforts to reassure residents that they are acting on concerns and have utilised unmarked vehicles to gather intelligence.
Police constable Maxine Unitt, of Hagley and Rubery SNT, said: “Our team have been working tirelessly with the public and partner agencies to attempt to tackle the issue of off-road bikes.
“We have some success seizing a couple of bikes we need the public to be our eyes and ears on the ground to get more results.
“The newer housing development at Cofton Park has been identified as one of the hot spots for this anti-social behaviour.
“On Wednesday, we attended a property with housing and three community protection warnings were issued on the residents.
“The occupants were explained the process of CPWs, and what our expectations were regarding their behaviour going forward. Housing officers also explained the consequences of what ongoing ASB can have on someone’s tenancy.”
Visit https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ to report information.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or 0800 555 111.
