Kirklees is getting its first dedicated police bike team

by Joshua Robinson –

A new specialist bike unit dedicated to getting illegal cyclists off the road is now tackling the problem on the streets and fields of Kirklees.

The new Kirklees Nuisance Anti-Social Behavior Team has started operating in Kirklees and has already started setting up machines and answering calls.

This team is the first dedicated unit of its kind in Kirklees to tackle illegal riders and is keen to hear from residents who have problems in their communities.

The Kirklees Nuisance Anti-Social Behavior Team will also use new tools and tactics to stop illegal bikers when appropriate and also pursue them for action if not caught in the act.

Specific days of action with Neighborhood Policing Teams (NPTs) and strength Traffic Police Unit are already planned and work is ongoing with NPT colleagues to resolve the issues.

The team is also reviewing footage submitted of a number of road bike incidents in the district and working to bring suspects to the attention of the police.

In the early days of June, the squad seized six bikes for the offense and issued four section 59 warnings which advise riders that their vehicles can be seized if they are seen being used anti-socially.

Sergeant Shaun Oateswho leads the new team, said: “Although we have used off-road bike patrols for a number of years in the District, those officers have had other duties and have never been full-time in this role.”

“The Noisance ASB team is the first dedicated unit of its kind that we’ve had in Kirklees and allows us to operate with a new intensity and focus to invest time in communities that have problems with off-road travel.”

“We’ll be operating with police bikes, a police car and more tools than we’ve ever had before, both to stop illegal bikes where appropriate and to hunt down their owners.”

“I can promise that our policing will be robust and we are keen to make a quick impact in communities and hear from the residents within them.”

Chief Inspector Rebecca Calpin of Kirklees Policesaid: “We’ve been working for a long time to build this new team which is a brilliant new asset that we know the communities will really embrace.”

“Antisocial and illegal travel is not tolerated in our communities and never has been. While we have regularly prosecuted dangerous riders, having a dedicated unit only enhances our capabilities.”

“I want to thank those residents who are submitting information and images of illegal riding and urge them to continue to do so.”

Chief Inspector Calpin added: “Unfortunately in the summer we can see an increase in this crime and we want to use good information to help us better deploy our team where they are needed.”

“The same images and information are also just as important in helping us find suspects who may have fled.”

“We have and will continue to follow up on every call we receive regarding illegal travel, with efforts to identify suspects through submitted images, eyewitness reports and partner checks.”

“We are also currently carrying out CCTV inquiries in areas where we have incidents and checking footage from garages to help us identify illegal travellers.”

Footage and information about illegal off-road travel in communities can be provided to people’s local NPT or reported on 101 or online at www.westyorkshire.police/livechat

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