Anti-social behaviour helper

Summary of the problem

Mini-motorbikes are small replicas of full sized motorbikes. Unless these vehicles have a number plate, there are very few places where it is legal to ride them.

These vehicles cause problems to pedestrians, road users and the general public when they are driven recklessly on pavements, roads and public places. Riding mini-motorbikes in this way is very dangerous and puts lives in danger.

It is understandable for people to feel afraid or intimidated by this activity and you have a right to expect the problem will be taken seriously.

Who you can report the problem to

• In the first instance, and only if you feel safe to do so, you could have a word with the people causing the problem – they may not realise the nuisance they are causing

• You could try speaking to other neighbours – perhaps they are affected too

• Report the problem to your Anti-social Behaviour Coordinator, Team or local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details

• If you are the tenant of a social landlord (the council or a housing association), report it to your landlord

• You can also report the problem to the police using the local force non-emergency number. Find your local number here

• If the situation is an emergency (if someone’s life or health is threatened) call 999

If you are unsure what to do or who to speak to, contact your anti-social behaviour team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details. If they are not directly responsible they will be able to help you to find who is.

What can be done to tackle mini-motorbike problems?

The anti-social behaviour team, the police and the council can all tackle problems associated with mini-motorbikes.

• The rider/riders can be given a verbal warning from a police officer under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002

• If the rider/riders have already been given a warning and the problems continue, the mini-motorbike can be seized by the police and crushed

• The rider/riders can be given acceptable behaviour contracts or agreements (ABCs/ABAs) requiring them to stop nuisance

• If the problem keeps on continuing and is very serious, anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) can be used to ban a person from owning or riding these bikes. Breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence

• Social landlords (where the landlord is the council or a housing association) can use anti-social behaviour injunctions (ASBIs) to stop problems if this is occurring around in or around their properties

• If problems keep happening at the same place, such as the local park, dispersal orders, can be used to stop the group of riders getting together. These can be issued by the police where there is persistent anti-social behaviour

These are just some of the measures available. Whatever action is taken, you should expect the council or the police to keep you informed.