Police reveal number of motorbikes seized in Aberdeen this summer

Back in April they relaunched "Operation Trinity"

Published 29th Aug 2016

Police say they've seized 49 motorbikes and reported 76 people in connection with using them illegally or in a dangerous way.

Back in April they relaunched "Operation Trinity" aimed at tackling anti-social and illegal use of bikes.

Inspector Jason Carrigan of the Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership Hub has thanked the public for their help.

He said: "This is the eighth year that Operation Trinity has been run in the city and is a direct result of concerns raised by local communities about the anti-social use of motorbikes and the negative behaviour that comes with that.

"Anti-social use of motorbikes is predominantly at its peak during the summer months, so from April until August a dedicated team of officers have focused on investigating reports of anti-social use of motorbikes, working alongside our partners for maximum effect.

"One particular example involved officers from Operation Trinity and our partners including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service conducting several joint visits to homes and flats where motorcycles had been stored inside, hoping to avoid detection. Storing motorcycles within a residence is incredibly dangerous, posing a significant fire risk and can breach tenancy conditions if the occupants are in council accommodation.

"Where we found motorcycles like this we took firm action to ensure there was no repeat.

"Since April we have seized 49 motorcycles and charged or reported 76 people with offences in relation to the anti-social use of motorbikes.

"This has had an overwhelmingly positive effect on the quality of lives for the residents of Aberdeen, which has been borne out by the positive comments we have received from the public via social media.

"The team has relied on information coming in from the public so I would like to thank these people for their assistance with this operation. All calls into us have been reviewed and action taken where appropriate.

"Although Operation Trinity has concluded, officers will still deal robustly with any reports of motorcycles being used anti-socially or illegally.

"My team and our partners within the Community Safety Partnership Hub will also continue to work on educating and diverting young people away from the anti-social use of motorcycles.

"We recognise that early identification and intervention is a key part in providing longer term sustained solutions and a valuable addition to our enforcement activities in the future.

"It's worth noting that the vast majority of motorcyclists and motorists obey the law, and it is sadly a small minority who ignore traffic rules and ride dangerously and irresponsibly, causing a danger to the public.

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

"Police Scotland will continue to focus on these people and our communities remain our biggest partner and ally in making our streets safer for all, therefore I continue to urge people to get in touch and let us know who has these motorcycles and who is riding them in a dangerous manner."