POLICE in Warrington have crushed a number of illegal bikes following reports of anti-social riding in the town.

Operation Hard Hit was launched earlier this year in response to multiple reports from residents of off-road bikers causing misery, riding 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.

Officers from Cheshire Police have been working proactively to dismantle groups intent on causing anti-social behaviour in the town, endangering themselves and pedestrians.

Last week, 21 illegal e-bikes, off-road bikes and quadbikes that had previously been ridden anti-socially or in pedestrianised areas of the town were crushed.

PC Dave Carr, who oversaw the operation, said: "Over recent months, we have seen a considerable spike in reports of young people riding illegal electric and petrol motorbikes.

“This is within pedestrian areas of the town, driving at considerable speed and while not wearing helmets.

“What they are doing is not only illegal, but also puts the lives of innocent members of the public at risk.

“The action taken here as part of Operation Hard Hit is a positive and proactive response to concerns raised by the community.

“Hopefully, it will reassure residents that we will always listen to any problems they have, particularly when it regards a subject as important as road and public safety.

Bikes confiscated by Cheshire Police before being destroyed

Bikes confiscated by Cheshire Police before being destroyed

“We know that the use of illegal bikes and anti-social riding is closely linked with other kinds of criminality.

“Over the next few weeks, we will be stepping up our patrols and continuing to seize these illegal bikes, keeping Warrington’s streets safe from those who think they can get away with flouting the rules of the road.”

Inspector Lee Hillyard added: “The unsafe and anti-social riding of e-bikes and motorbikes, both legal and illegal, within pedestrian areas remains a priority issue for police in Warrington.

“The destruction of these illegal bikes here demonstrates that our officers are taking a direct and robust approach in reducing the harm these riders cause within your communities.

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

Bikes confiscated by Cheshire Police before being destroyed

Bikes confiscated by Cheshire Police before being destroyed

“Over the next few months, we will be continuing to work 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.

“The message is simple – if you are caught riding an illegal e-bike or motorbike, we will seize them, and they will be destroyed.”

Anyone with information regarding the riding of illegal bikes, or the anti-social use of motorbikes or quad bikes in pedestrian areas, should call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk

Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers.org.uk