Police are warning of the dangers of riding motorcycles and mini motos at speed without safety helmets, following a number of reports of dangerous riding in North Bournemouth in recent months.
Over the past six months Dorset Police has seen a significant increase in reports and complaints about bikes being ridden on parks and side roads at excess speed, with the worst affected areas being West Howe, Northbourne and Redhill.
Sergeant Lee Tharme of North Bournemouth Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Since March we’ve seen an increase of 50 calls to us about nuisance bikes at these locations. Before that we only received periodic calls.
“The general nature of the reports is nuisance bikes either being ridden on the parks or side roads at excess speed, with the riders normally not wearing helmets. The majority of reports describe trial or off-road bikes as opposed to mini motos, although the latter are still an issue in some cases.
“The use of such vehicles on public open spaces is both dangerous for the rider and the public. We will seize any bikes being ridden unlawfully and prosecute the riders.”
Local officers are working closely in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council on gathering local intelligence, to identify the riders and promote safety.
Focused patrols and enforcement will be carried out at known locations, with the aim of making young people aware of the potential for life changing injuries as a consequence of their actions.
Police are also asking for the assistance of local residents to help identify the bikes and riders, and also any routes that are being affected on a regular basis.
Sergeant Lee Tharme continued “I would urge the public to contact us on 101 or through the Safer Neighbourhood Team pages on the Force website if they have any useful information.”
Contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team or visit www.dorset.police.uk for more information and Safer Neighbourhood Team contact details.
