Police in County Durham launch crackdown on nuisance bikers

Durham Constabulary say more than 40 notices were handed out and six vehicles were seized as officers began a crackdown on nuisance riders and motorists last week.

New Section 59 warning signs have been erected across Peterlee, Shotton Colliery, Wingate and Darlington to notify potential offenders of the new powers to combat the antisocial behaviour which is often linked to them.

Some of the Op Endurance action since the new initiative was launched includes:

24 Fixed Penalty Notices issued.

18 Barring notices issued.

3 illegal quads seized.

3 speeding tickets issued.

2 stolen mopeds recovered.

1 illegal off-road bike seized.

1 vehicle seized and driver arrested for drug driving.

1 driver reported for careless driving.

The signs remove the need to give those caught with illegal off-road bikes, quads or 4x4s a warning before seizing their vehicles.

The notices also cover e-scooters which are currently illegal to use anywhere other than private land.

Working with partner agencies, targeted patrols and intelligence-led seizures within the nominated areas are already proving effective in a tactic that could be adopted right across the force area.

Neighbourhood Inspector, Gary Smith, said:

“Operation Endurance is a key way in which we take positive action against a number of people and vehicles to ensure they are not causing a nuisance to the community.

“We use several different tactics to not only enforce but educate drivers and we will continue to tackle off road vehicles that are affecting our communities.

“I would like to thank all our partners and communities for their help and information so far and we will continue to work with them to tackle this issue.”

To report a nuisance vehicle, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 555 111.