Four arrests and bikes seized as police target Walsall anti-social behaviour

West Midlands Police have arrested four people and seized a number of bikes after carrying after taking part in Op Adhesion in the Bloxwich and Blakenall areas of Walsall.

Op Adhesion looks to tackle illegal off-road biking and anti-social behaviour in the Walsall areas and sees officers carry out visible action on concerns that affect their communities the most. 

As part of the operation on Friday, officers linked up with partner groups, including Walsall Council, to target bikes being ridden illegally and dangerously on roads and green spaces. 

With support from the off-road bike team, officers arrested two boys, aged 16 and 15, who were apprehended following a short foot chase in Reedswood Park. The boys were found to be riding a stolen scooter, which was returned to its rightful owner.

Officers also seized a second motorbike which had no insurance, before arresting a 34-year-old man for drug driving and a 37-year-old man for being abusive in the street.

The operation was organised by Walsall's Problem Solving Team and officers from the Bloxwich Neighbourhood Team. 

Sergeant Mo Khalid, from the West Midlands Police Problem Solving Team, said: "We understand the nuisance illegal bikers cause and the impact their actions have on people’s lives and this issue is a priority for us across Walsall LPA. This is why we’re doing all we can to tackle the problem of off-road bikes. 

"We’re warning offenders who continue to drive these machines illegally and putting the public at risk that they will be caught. Their vehicles will be seized. Illegal off-road biking is having a serious impact on our local communities and we simply won’t tolerate it."

Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council, urged residents to report any instances of anti-social behaviour they see to the police. 

He said: "These results are exactly what we want to see from an operation. It’s very clear that by working together, we are successfully removing these illegal vehicles from our communities, and we will continue to support the joint patrols.

"We can’t do this alone and would once again please ask our residents to report any sightings they see, so we can take the rightful action and keep our communities free from the risks and dangers these bikes pose."