Partnership to tackle nuisance off-road bikers

West Midlands Police have joined forces with Sandwell Council and West Midlands Fire services to stamp out disruptive behaviour in the borough.

The partnership was unveiled on Wednesday at Warrens Hall Park in Dudley where it was revealed forces will use Brigade Response Vehicles to collar nuisance off-road motorbikes.

The four-wheeled vehicle will also allow those in response to assist patrolling areas standard vehicles fail to reach and catch those caught fly-tipping or starting grass fires.

Haden Cross Fire Watch Commander Jason Jew said: "When our crews come out and attack these issues such as grass and fly tipping fires, we're also trying to address instances of anti-social behaviour involving off-road motorcycles.

"Obviously off-road motorcycles pose a threat to my crews that are attending these fires and tackling these fires but also any people that are actually using the parks, dog walkers and cyclists.

"In relation to statistics, it is on the increase and it's an emerging risk not only in Warrens Hall Park, we've got issues in Wednesbury, which is Friar Park, we've got issues in Tipton.

"I would like to think that the public are going to be behind us because obviously it's going to make communities of the West Midlands safer."

The partnership aims to ease the work load of West Midlands Police, helping them identify those causing the disturbance and allowing them to impound vehicles.

An evaluation period over the next couple of months will determine the continuation of the partnership and if successful plans have been made for it to be used on a yearly basis.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and protection Councillor Elaine Costigan said: said: "The launch is absolutely amazing.

"There's a major problem across the borough with motorbikes and fires, and I think this initiative is just absolutely fantastic how the council and everybody's come together.

"The anti-social behaviour is through the roof and I think as a partnership with the police and everybody else working together as a team, we will succeed on now getting this down to a very low level.

"It's a step in the right direction for Sandwell and it's required."

Also commenting on the collaboration, Rowley ward councillor Chris Tranter said: "I think it's been a tremendous issue, it's annoying.

"The kids they haven't got any respect for other people, they ride dangerously, they ride without lights in the dusk, they also don't wear safety equipment, so as well as the general public they're putting themselves in danger."