Fifty Motorbikes Seized in Aberdeen

Police in Aberdeen have seized fifty motorbikes in just three months in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Since launching in April 2015 Operation Trinity has charged a total of fifty people in relation to the antisocial use of motorbikes.

Two cars have also been seized

On the eve of the school summer holidays, officers are this week reminding youngsters of motorcycles.

Operation Trinity is aimed at targeting individuals who cause a nuisance in their communities by riding motorcycles illegally or in a dangerous way.

Inspector Andy Barclay explained: "This is the seventh consecutive year that the operation has run and incidents tend to increase over the school summer holidays. Typically the age group involved with the antisocial use of motorcycles is from 15 to 21 years old.

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

"The vast majority of motorcyclists and motorists obey the law 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 for the communities of Aberdeen and we will continue to target those intent on behaving in this way."

Speaking about the figures Inspector Barclay continued: "The success of the operation so far has undoubtedly been the information and assistance we have received from the local communities. The public have told us when incidents occur and they have provided helpful descriptions and information about either the offenders or the bikes.

"Officers have then used the intelligence provided by the public to develop positive lines of enquiry. The team has followed up all of the calls we have received, made further enquiry and taken action where appropriate which is why, 12 weeks into the operation, we have dealt with 50 individuals.

"Whilst the antisocial use of motorbikes is still an issue in Aberdeen when you look at the figures compared to previous years there has been a drop in incidents/calls. Comparing figures from May 2014 with May 2015 there has been 60% less calls this year and similarly there has been 47% less incidents reported during June 2015 compared with June 2014, which is extremely positive.

"These figures demonstrate that by proactively patrolling hotspot areas and taking action against offenders, our messages are getting through and being heeded.

"Although there have been less incidents reported to us this year, the antisocial use of motorbikes still exists and we anticipate an increase in incidents over the coming weeks. I am therefore urging youngsters to not get involved with this type of behaviour. It is dangerous to the riders, particularly as they often don't wear suitable protective clothing, it is dangerous to members of the public and if caught, offenders will be charged and dealt with by the justice system, and the bikes will be seized.

"We are committed to following up every line of enquiry in order to detect those responsible for driving motorbikes dangerously and keeping our communities safe."

Operation Trinity will continue over the summer months and officers will continue with their uniformed and plain clothed patrols.

Anyone wishing to report information that could help with Operation Trinity should call 101 or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.