Locals are threatening to take the law into their own hands to deal with a “motorbike crime emergency” in Newcastle, city leaders have been warned.
Councillors have demanded action to crack down on off-road motorbikes plaguing communities in the outer west of the city and say that many residents have lost confidence in the police. The problem has been described as a “major blight” and it is claimed that many anti-social behaviour incidents are going unreported due to 101 waiting times and a fear of reprisals.
The calls were made at a Newcastle City Council meeting last week, following a collision involving a motorcycle in Lemington that left two children with serious injuries. Northumbria Police confirmed that two men arrested in connection with that incident in June have since been released under investigation.
Read More: Newcastle enters race to host Eurovision 2023 with UK set to stage song contest next year
At last Wednesday’s meeting, Lemington ward councillor Jason Smith read out comments from residents likening local streets to a “racetrack” and warning that people may “take matters into their own hands” if police do not act.
The Newcastle Independents group leader said: “I have seen a list of the many actions being taken to address this - the police making arrests and summons issued, various warnings and community protection notices issues, motorbike seizures, dispersal notices, identifying petrol stations, and speaking with landowners. However, the reality is that none of this is working and the problem is growing in the outer west.”
He added: “Many residents have told me that they have lost confidence in the police. When reasonable, law-abiding residents talk about taking the law into their own hands we should all take notice and be concerned.”
Labour’s Simon Barnes, who represents Denton and Westerhope, agreed that the problem was a “major blight”, but said it was not helpful for politicians to “dent confidence” in the police. He said that Northumbria Police were “working hard to improve 101 call handling” and called on the government to increase officer numbers back to pre-2010 levels.
Lesley Storey, the council’s cabinet member responsible for community safety, accused the government of a “dereliction of duty” by cutting force budgets, while Lemington Labour councillor Barry Phillipson suggested that all purchasers of off-road motorbikes should be registered so that they can be easily tracked down. The council approved a motion committing to review access to bridle paths for motorbikes and calling on the Home Secretary “to ensure that Northumbria Police has the powers and resources it needs to take action against crime using motorbikes and review the 101 service so it becomes fit for purpose”.
An original version of the motion, proposed by Coun Smith before being amended by Labour, had also called for a police helicopter and drones to be deployed to the outer west to tackle the crisis. Concerns were also raised by the Liberal Democrats that any move to stop nuisance bikes accessing bridle paths would also block cyclists, wheelchairs, and buggies.
Inspector Harninder Bola, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are aware of complaints around motorcycle disorder in the outer west area of Newcastle and want to reassure the public that we will continue to take a proactive approach in tackling this issue. We understand the detrimental effect that anti-social behaviour can have on the communities we serve.
"It is not a victimless crime - and the actions of a minority who tear around on these bikes can make the most vulnerable in our community feel intimidated and frightened. That’s why plain clothed and uniformed officers will continue to target motorcycle related disorder, as well as the continuation of dispersal notices, seizures and arrests where appropriate.
“We encourage anyone who witnesses any off-road riders or vehicle related crimes happening in your area, to please get in touch with us. You can report via 101 or online through our ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website.”
- Read More:
- Council pledges action on weedkiller, plastic grass, and balloon releases amid 'biodiversity emergency'
- Talks over £3bn North East devolution deal will 'slow down' after Boris Johnson resignation
- Two top Newcastle Council jobs cut in latest shake-up to slash more than £300,000 from budget
- Tyne Tunnel would have 'significant' queues without cashless toll system after traffic levels surge
- Keir Starmer accuses Boris Johnson of delivering none of his levelling up promises to the North East
