Durham Police has new powers to seize off-road bikes in Darlington

People in Darlington have been raising issues with off-road vehicles for years, while there have also been problems reported in parts of County Durham.

The scheme means anyone seen riding an off-road bike, quad or 4x4 in Darlington or east Durham can have their vehicle seized straight away.

The pilot will start in Darlington, Peterlee, Shotton Colliery and Wingate, which were chosen due to high numbers of complaints in those area, but could be rolled out elsewhere.

Durham Police’s casualty reduction coordinator Nicola Bowman said: “We all know how much of a plague on society bikes, quads and other motorised vehicles cause to our community. 

Read more: Police introduce new safety measures in Darlington

“Working together with partner agencies, Operation Endurance was introduced to find a way to reduce the impact on society and as a force, we will take any action necessary against offenders and we would urge members of the public to provide information to assist us.”

Last year, the Northern Echo reported parts of Darlington had become “no go” areas as a result of off-road bikes.

A public meeting heard multiple concerns from councillors who said residents were intimidated by those riding them, while there were also reports of children being afraid of the noise at night and a 71-year-old woman scared of going out because she was feared being knocked over.

There have been long-standing efforts to tackle the issue over two decades but previous operations by police have been criticised as ineffective.

Previously, police were able to issue a warning to people riding off-road bikes in an antisocial way and could seize the vehicle for the second offence.

The new scheme allows officers to seize the vehicles immediately, and will see section 59 warning signs put up to notify potential offenders of the powers.

The notices also cover e-scooters which are currently illegal to use anywhere other than private land.

Read more: Darlington group tackling 'menace' of off-road bikes

Sergeant Gavin Rutter, of Peterlee Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are committed to working with our local communities and partner agencies in order to tackle issues that have a detrimental effect on residents and we always strive to implement long-term solutions with a problem solving approach so the Section 59 signs are a key tool to help us take positive action against offenders when acting on vital information from members of the public regarding off road vehicle nuisance.”

Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, said: “This innovative initiative will be very much welcomed by local residents in the affected areas who have been calling for these illegally driven bikes to be confiscated immediately to prevent the drivers causing harassment, alarm and distress in their local communities as well as untold damage to community open spaces.

“I would urge anyone who knows where these bikes are being stored or who is riding them illegally to ring 101 and share vital community intelligence so we can seize the bikes and take enforcement action against the riders."

Cllr Jonathan Dulston, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “The use of off-road vehicles can on many occasions have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those living in or visiting areas where this anti-social behaviour is committed and we welcome and support this approach in an effort to target such activity and those responsible.”

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said: “Although often caused by a small few, anti-social behaviour can have a big impact on communities and residents’ wellbeing.

"We know that in particular anti-social behaviour involving off-road vehicles can be very intimidating for those that live within a community, so we are continuing to work with our partners and would encourage residents to report these incidences as they are happening. Reports can be made in confidentiality and will help ensure any behaviour of this kind is tackled and resolved swiftly.”

Read more: Darlington councillors raise concerns about off road bikes

To report a nuisance vehicle, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 555 111.

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