Mini motorbike seized in Telford police crackdown

West Mercia Police's Operation Cupula was put into action over the weekend, with 12 officers out in the Woodside area.

The team was looking out for mini motorbikes which had been seen racing around the town – a problem which historically heightens in the summer months.

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

Sergeant Becky Bishop, who is part of the Harm Reduction Team, said the force was working with Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service and Wrekin Housing Trust to put a stop to the illegal riding.

She said: "We went out on Sunday in the Woodside area with 12 members of staff working on it.

"We dealt with a number of incidents involving mini motorbikes and other kinds of motorbike.

"There was one seizure and three warning notices.

"We have also got a number of other incidents that we are going to be following up to try to identify the riders.

"We spoke with lots of members of the public. A number of them were asking if we were there because of the motorbikes, which shows there is a lot of community awareness of the problem.

"Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service visited leafleted on our behalf and Telford & Wrekin Council are going to be delivering an educational message in schools.

"Our day was really successful and we will be doing other days like this."

She said the operation was being taken extremely seriously and anyone caught riding a motorcycle of any sort illegally they would be dealt with robustly.

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

"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.," she said.

"Although this operation will be targeting areas where we know the illegal use of motorcycles has been a problem , it is vital the public let us know about problems so we can ensure we tackle them."

She said often riders failed to wear the correct safety equipment, like helmets, and some of the motorbikes were stolen. Anyone with concerns can call police on 101.