Bike gangs dangerous, police commissioner says

Gangs using off-road bikes and e-scooters have been branded "dangerous" as police attempt to crack down on the issue.

Staffordshire Police recently arrested 29 people and seized more than 100 illegal vehicles across the county as part of the force's efforts.

It came after officers received reports of bikes being used to tear up grass in parks and at sports clubs, with riders often pulling dangerous stunts on residential streets.

Ben Adams, Staffordshire's police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC), said those involved would often wear balaclavas and face coverings, which could be intimidating.

On their use of bikes, he said: "It's dangerous, people have been really, seriously hurt."

He referred to a young girl in Tamworth recently who was injured by people riding bikes on a public footpath.

"This is not acceptable and it carries very high risk," he added. "It's not just anger, which I get, it's actually really fear for the individuals and themselves."

Among the vehicles police seized in raids across the county were e-scooters, quad bikes and a number of stolen motorbikes.

Adams said the problem was being taken seriously but it was "extremely difficult to police".

Officers will use police dogs if necessary, the Conservative PFCC added, along with specialist equipment like off-road bikes.

But Angie Balwako, from the Neighbourhood Watch in Leek, said people were not reporting incidents because they did not think police would do anything.

"Lads on bikes, drug-related problems, hit-and-runs on the streets - several little problems that people don't bother reporting," she said.

"They see it and they don't report it. We've got a lot of public apathy about not reporting to the police or the council.

"For me, that says there's something wrong with the reporting systems and the feedback to communities."

Adams said he understood people could feel nervous about calling police, but they should not hesitate to get in touch, no matter how minor the issue might seem.

"This is a community problem, antisocial behaviour," he added. "It's not just for the police to resolve."

He said people could report incidents to charity Crimestoppers anonymously if they were not comfortable giving out their details.

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