New task force launched to tackle criminal use of bikes in Teesside
The task force will be using electric bikes which means officers can be more agile and responsive
A new task force has been launched to tackle the criminal use of bikes across Cleveland.
It means there will be officers dedicated to tackling those who use bikes illegally and for committing crime and antisocial behaviour, providing opportunity to quickly respond to intelligence and undertake enforcement activity.
The task force will be using a mixture of tactics and capabilities, including using electric bikes, which means officers can be more agile and responsive.
The new bikes have been jointly funded by local housing associations Thirteen Group and Beyond Housing and Cleveland Road Safety Partnership, and will be used alongside drone technology which allows police to track the bikes and follow them to where they are being stored.
Superintendent Paul Richardson, lead for the criminal use of bikes, said: “We know that the criminal use of bikes adversely impacts our communities, and we are fully committed to continuing to be strong on this type of crime, and protect our communities from those who pose harm by using bikes for criminal gain. In February and March this year, there were over 800 incidents involving bikes in some form of crime or incident in Cleveland.
“The new task force will hit the ground running and will complement ongoing work by other departments across the force, who come together with our partner agencies in tackling the issue and seizing illegal bikes.
“We want to send a clear message to those who are using bikes illegally in our area, and specifically those who are using them to commit crime, that it won’t be tolerated – not on our streets. We are watching and waiting; and we are coming for you.”
Angela Corner, Thirteen’s head of communities, said: “We know from the reports we get from our customers that they’re sick and tired of seeing people tearing around estates on bikes and they want something to be done about it. That’s why we’ve contributed funding for these new electric bikes to help the police track offenders and their vehicles. We’re working in partnership to take these people on and stop the damage they’re doing in our communities.”
Ben Briggs, regeneration manager at Beyond Housing, said: “The criminal use of bikes is a major and recurring issue for many of our communities, causing real distress for residents and impacting the sense of safety, locally.
“That’s why we have been keen to support this initiative and work alongside Cleveland Police and partner organisations on a practical response. By combining enforcement, intelligence and new technology, this task force will help tackle persistent anti-social and criminal behaviour, sending a clear signal that it won’t be tolerated in our communities.”
To report the illegal use of bikes to Cleveland Police please call 101 or report online |newtab).
Alternatively, please report to Crimestoppers anonymously online or call 0800 555 111.