Crackdown on dangerous motorbike use in Aberdeen returns for summer

Operation Armour, which was formerly known as Operation Trinity, is aimed at targeting individuals who cause a nuisance in their communities by riding motorcycles illegally or in a dangerous way.

This year is the tenth year that the operation has taken place and looks to address concerns raised by the local communities across the city about the anti-social use of motorbikes and the negative behaviour associated with it.

As in previous years, a dedicated team of officers will be working alongside colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit, City Wardens, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Aberdeen Community Safety Hub, as well as the public to tackle the issue.

Inspector Jon Millar, of the Mastrick Community Policing Team, said: 'Our summer initiative to tackle the antisocial use of motorbikes is a tried and tested operation which has seen success over the years.

'Last year saw 47 vehicles seized which included 30 motorbikes with 33 people being charged with various offences as part of the operation. This year we have a team of officers who will be led by Sergeant Craig Murray and they will be looking to deter incidents through regular patrols but who will thoroughly investigate and detect offenders who commit these offences.

'There is typically an increase in the anti-social use of motorbikes as the nights start getting lighter. Operation Armour will not only look to tackle this issue but also the wider problem of motorcycle thefts from the city.

'Over the last three years we’ve seen a steady decrease in calls to us reporting incidents but there is still a small minority who ignore traffic rules and ride dangerously and irresponsibly, causing a menace and more importantly a danger to the public.

'This is not acceptable and we will continue to target those intent on behaving in this way.

'Anti-social motorcycle use can be anything from speeding, riding on footpaths and open land such as playing fields to not wearing the right protective clothing, which carries a risk for not only the public, but also the rider themselves.'

Inspector Millar added that it is a priority for Police Scotland to trace those responsible for causing a danger in communities and that partnership work with colleagues such as Aberdeen City Council and communities will continue.

He said: 'We will have uniformed and plain clothed staff patrolling, supported by specialist staff and additional partner agencies, such as the City Wardens.

'We will make use of public space CCTV and officers will also have their body worn and vehicle mounted CCTV cameras in order to secure video footage as evidence.

'As part of Police Scotland’s 2026 policing strategy to utilise new technology we are also investigating opportunities to use new detection capabilities as part of the operation. We hope to be able to report further on this over the course of the summer.

'We are also pleased to be working again with our partners on the Aberdeen Motorbike Project for Educational Development (AMPED). This project aims to educate young people on how to enjoy riding motorbikes legally and responsibly and therefore divert them away from offending behaviour, and worked positively last year.

'Members of our local Police Scotland Youth Volunteers will be providing assistance by delivering advice leaflets on motorcycle misuse and annoyance to households in communities where the bikes are being driven.

'Information from the public is really important in helping us tackle this issue. When you see motorbikes being misused and driven dangerously please report it to us. The more details you can supply the better. This includes descriptions of the bikes, riders and location details.

'Also, if you know who the offenders are, tell us. If you know where the bikes are being stored, tell us.

'We are committed to following up every line of enquiry in order to detect those responsible for driving motorbikes dangerously.'

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Simon Guyan said: 'Motorcycle annoyance often results in the attendance of fire appliances as on many occasions stolen vehicles will be abandoned and set on fire. Such incidents draw on operational resources within Aberdeen city, which could delay fire crews attending more meaningful calls.

'This type of reckless activity presents not only a danger to the motorcyclists but also to other road users and the wider community'.

'We are never complacent and we continue to work closely with our partners in Police Scotland to prevent such anti-social behaviour from occurring within the city'.

'Wherever possible we will always endeavour to seek opportunities to work with young people to educate them about the dangers and about how to stay safe.'