'Nuisance' off-road motorcycle seized after rider seen pulling wheelies and riding on footpaths

Police officers in Corby have seized an off-road motorcycle being ridden antisocially, and also promised further action to tackle the problem, following increased concern from local residents.

• Related: Merseyside Police seek rightful owners of stolen off-roaders

A blue and white Sherco 125 SE was spotted on Tuesday, May 14 pulling wheelies and riding along a footpath. The rider was then stopped on Alberta Close, with further checks revealing no insurance or tax was present for the vehicle.

On top of this, the 28-year-old was reported for a defective number plate and given a Section 59 order for anti-social riding. The bike was also taken away on a low loader under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

“For years, we have received complaints about the ‘nuisance’ motorcycle riders who have plagued our communities – riding on playing fields, on footpaths and on our roads,” Corby Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Greg McClean said.

“However, this is not just ‘nuisance’ – it’s anti-social behaviour which is highly dangerous and illegal – in which riders put their own lives at risk as well as their pillion passengers, other road users and members of the public.”

Sgt McClean says that public leads such as this will help the Northamptonshire force gather more evidence against further offenders, adding: “We appreciate this clearly affects our local communities and we would once again encourage people to report all incidents to us.

“This not only helps us to build a true picture of the extent of the problem, but to identify and gather evidence against those responsible.”

Anyone with information on anti-social or nuisance riding in the area should contact northants.police.uk/reportonline or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.