Officers in Dundee tackle anti-social use of bikes, quads and mopeds

Officers in Dundee continue to tackle anti-social behaviour associated with the use of off-road motor vehicles including bikes, quads and mopeds in the city.

Operation Challenge is a multi-agency response to target individuals who cause a nuisance and a danger within their communities with vehicles of these kind.

Inspector Keith Anderson of Downfield Police Station said :

Operation Challenge has had a positive effect in tackling these types of incidents since its introduction a number of years ago, but the problem has still not gone away. 

“We regularly receive complaints from our local communities about the anti-social and illegal use of vehicles. We work closely with local schools, Dundee City Council Housing and Education departments, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as well as community groups and local councillors to tackle this issue.

“So far this year officers have seized more than ten such vehicles with a value in excess of £15,000 and reported ten offenders to the Procurator Fiscal. The vehicles range in style and function including 4x4, petrol and electric models.

“Regularly misunderstood, the majority of off-road vehicles are illegal to use on public roads or on private land without the owner’s permission. These types of motor vehicles cannot be driven on a public road legally regardless of any licences held.  Visit the Department for Transport’s website www.dft.gov.uk for more information.

“Failure to comply with the legislation is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution under road traffic and anti-social behaviour legislation which carries powers to seize and destroy the vehicles used.

“The manner in which a vehicle is driven may also constitute an offence, and each circumstance will be investigated and where crimes have happened prosecutions will be sought.

“Stolen bikes are also involved in the many of the illegal or anti-social incidents. If owners can ensure that their bikes are as secure as they can be, we can reduce the chances of their being stolen and being used illegally and dangerously.

“If you know where any of these vehicles are being stored, or who is using them, please call us on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also use the electronic reporting form at our website, www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/c3 please provide as much information as possible so we can act to further reduce the anti-social use of these vehicles.”