Crackdown on Telford mini moto problem

West Mercia Police is keen to halt the problem before the summer starts, when historically more mini motos can be seen racing around the town.

The force, working alongside partner agencies including Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service and Wrekin Housing Trust, is launching an initiative dubbed Operation Cupula.

Areas like Sutton Hill, Woodside, Oakengates, Randlay, Wellington and Leegomery have been plagued by mini motos in the past - but the police promised a borough-wide crackdown.

Sergeant Becky Bishop, who is part of the Harm Reduction Team, said: "We believe there is a perception that we do not want to deal with this issue but that could not be further from the truth.

"To demonstrate this fact, this year we have decided to launch a specific operation and although mini motos are often reported as causing the most problems, I would actually warn people that if they are caught riding a motorcycle of any sort illegally they will be dealt with very robustly.

"The operation we are running with our partners has a number of objectives and these include disrupting people from using motorbikes anti-socially, targeting previous offenders with a view to prosecution if they get caught again, providing reassurance to local communities and also educating them about the legalities relating to this sort of anti-social behaviour."

Sergeant Bishop warned that the motorbikes could be destroyed if they are persistently driven unlawfully.

She said: "We have a number of options available to us in terms of dealing with offenders and although in the first instance we may be willing to issue warnings, I would warn those people who cause fear and disruption through the illegal use of motorcycles that we will not hesitate to seize a motorcycle and destroy it if we deem it necessary."

Operation Cupula starts later this month. Anyone with concerns can call police on 101.