‘Nuisance’ off-road bikes seized and police patrols increased over public safety concerns in Havant and Waterlooville
Members of the Havant and Waterlooville community have been raising concerns with the police about the off-road bikes, which can be dangerous when used in public footpaths and local woodlands to race at high speed.
The vehicles can also be very loud, causing noise issues.
Officers seized the off-road bikes at two separate locations in the Havant and Waterlooville area.
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Hide AdWhile carrying out patrols at The Warren, Havant, officers noticed an unregistered and uninsured off-road motorcycle travelling along Calshot Road.
After stopping the bike, officers subsequently reported its 23 year old rider, a man from Portsmouth, for summons in relation to a fixed penalty notice for not having insurance.
The bike, a white and black MR2 Protyper, was seized.
Later, police were called to a report of three teenagers riding an off-road bike around the Hazelton Interchange Industrial Estate.
As a result, a 17-year-old boy from Waterlooville was reported for summons in relation to a fixed penalty notice for riding the motorcycle with no insurance and no MoT, as well as riding without a helmet.
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Hide AdThe red scrambler bike involved was seized for not being registered and having no owner with it.
A post on the Havant police Facebook page about the seizing of the two bikes said: ‘Another two nuisance drivers off the streets!’
Hampshire Constabulary has said that it has seen an increase in reports of off-road ‘nuisance’ motorcycle activity on public footpaths, bridleways, and open spaces over the recent lockdown period.
In response, officers have increased patrols in ‘hotspot’ areas such as Havant Thicket.
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Hide AdNeighbourhood teams have been collating information to build a clearer image of the issue.
They have been issuing Section 59 warnings to the owners of vans seen loading or unloading motorbikes associated with this type of activity.
Police also say that they have been working with landowners as part of a joined up response towards resolving the issue.
These types of bike can only be used on private land with the permission of the land owner.