Weapons, cannabis and bikes seized as teens arrested in police raid

Cheshire Police officers conducted a warrant in Latchford as part of ongoing efforts to tackle the anti-social riding of off-road bikes in pedestrian areas.

Operation Hard Hit was launched earlier this year in response to multiple reports from residents of off-road bikes being ridden by people without helmets in pedestrian areas, and actively evading law enforcement on electric motorbikes.

The initiative was designed to curb future irresponsible riding in the area, with officers working proactively to dismantle groups intent on causing anti-social behaviour and endangering themselves and pedestrians.

READ > Teens caught on CCTV riding through town centre

In a multiagency approach, police worked alongside CCTV operators and engaged with residents to gather enough evidence to locate prolific offenders, later identifying them through facial recognition software.

Yesterday, Thursday, officers executed a warrant at an address on Bridgewater Avenue and seized 11 electric and petrol motorbikes and a quad bike.

Police also confiscated 17 cannabis plants, weapons – including machetes, crossbows and batons – power tools, cash and designer clothing and perfume.

A 16-year-old boy, 18-year-old woman, 34-year-old woman and 35-year-old man were subsequently arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs, theft of motor vehicles, handling stolen goods – in the form of motorbikes and power tools – money laundering and the cultivation of cannabis.

The 16-year-old boy was further arrested on suspicion of 16 counts of dangerous driving.

A range of bikes were seized by police during the raid in Latchford

They have all since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said that following the raids, residents can expect to see a higher visibility of uniformed officers, as well as plain-clothed officers, across the town.

This higher police presence is aimed at deterring unsafe driving and catching prolific offenders.

Superintendent Adam Ross said: “This operation is a direct response to concerns raised by residents regarding speeding and other anti-social driving offences.

“It demonstrates that we will always listen to members of the community regarding any concerns that they have, particularly when it regards a subject as important as road safety.

“We have seen a considerable spike in reports of young people riding Sur-Ron electric motorbikes, in particular within pedestrian areas of the town, driving at considerable speed and while not wearing helmets.

“What they are doing is not only illegal – it is also putting the lives of innocent members of the public at risk.

“The anti-social behaviour caused by the unsafe use of motorbikes in pedestrian areas is a priority issue, and I want to reassure the public that officers will take a robust approach with those causing such harm within your communities.

A range of bikes were seized by police during the raid in Latchford

“Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas at key times targeting those intent on causing a nuisance in their community.

“The force will always take action against anyone riding motor vehicles illegally and anti-socially, whether on Warrington's roads or in pedestrianised areas.

"Over the next three months, we will also be working alongside communities and partner agencies in directly targeting addresses linked to drug usage and the anti-social driving and behaviour we are committed to putting a stop to."

Inspector Lee Hillyard added: “The action taken as part of Operation Hard Hit is a positive and pro-active response to the concerns of the local community.

“Illegal drug usage is closely linked with anti-social behaviour, and over the next few weeks we will be stepping up our patrols and conducting further warrants at addresses of known offenders.

“This is to further our efforts in dismantling the groups of individuals intent on disrupting and endangering the lives of residents who are out and about in Warrington.”

Anyone with information regarding the riding of electric Sur-Ron bikes, motorbikes or quad bikes in pedestrian areas should call Cheshire Police on 101 or give the details via the website.

Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.