Police crackdown on illegal and nuisance riders in Lancaster and Morecambe after complaints from public

An operation has been launched in Lancaster and Morecambe to address the illegal and nuisance use of off-road motorbikes, mopeds, scrambler bikes and quads bikes across the area.
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Codenamed Operation Crankshaft, it will see officers patrolling areas which residents have highlighted as an area of concern including cycle tracks, housing estates, wasteland and industrial estates. Officers will utilise a range of powers to seize any bikes that are being used illegally and prosecute those committing offences.

PC Ryan White from Lancaster Police said: “Local residents have told us that this is a problem in the area and it is affecting their quality of life. This operation is about taking action to address these concerns and make our communities safer.

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“We suspect that some people believe it’s okay to ride in places like Freemans Wood or on the cycle track.

PC Ryan White and Sgt David Mason with some bikes that have recently been seized across Lancaster and Morecambe.PC Ryan White and Sgt David Mason with some bikes that have recently been seized across Lancaster and Morecambe.
PC Ryan White and Sgt David Mason with some bikes that have recently been seized across Lancaster and Morecambe.

"I must stress that no permission has been given for this activity so please do not take your children there to play on quad or scrambler bikes.

“Riders pose a danger to pedestrians, themselves and other road users. We will be looking to remove bikes from nuisance and illegal riders, bringing those responsible for committing offences before the courts.”

As part of the operation, a dedicated email address has been set up. Officers are asking the public to report any anti-social activity or nuisance riders to [email protected]. Reports can also be made on 101 – or, if there is an imminent danger, 999 should be dialled.

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PC White added: “We have set up a dedicated email address to make it easier to report motorcycle nuisance to us. We will collate and examine any information sent to us and treat it with confidence. People can also submit photographs but we must stress that images should only ever be taken if it is safe to do so.

“By reporting incidents to us, you will help us to build a picture of who the repeat offenders are. We will then be better placed to tackle this long-term problem, making Lancaster and Morecambe a safer place for all.”

Please see the attached photograph of (left to right) PC Ryan White, Sgt David Mason and PC Georgie Abram with some bikes that have recently been seized across Lancaster and Morecambe.