Police have used drones for the first time to target illegal bikes in West Cumbria.
Following complaints from residents, housing associations and councillors in the Salterbeck area of Workington about regular anti-social use of off-road bikes, officers carried out an operation on Friday evening.
Sergeant Neil McKinnell, of Allerdale Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This the first time that we have used drones to assist us in identifying and tracking the activity of these bikes.
“The drone capability allowed us to direct officers to those areas leading to the two bikes that were seized.
“We will continue to tackle these issues and ask that the public report activity and locations of anti-social and illegal use of bikes so we can continue to take action.”
It resulted in officers seizing two illegal off-road bikes – a scrambler and Sur-Ron electric bike.
Police added that:
- Two people were reported for driving offences with a further two awaiting to be spoken to by officers.
- One person was also reported for driving without due care and attention and a section 59 notice was issued to this driver.
Officers also caried out a stop and search of an individual, which was negative however drugs were found next to him and were seized.
An It’s Your Choice form was also submitted after a man was found acting in an anti-social manner. It’s Your Choice is an intervention scheme which aims to educate young people on the consequences of their anti-social behaviour and the wider impact this has on other people.
The submission of the forms result in a letter being sent to parents and are subject of increasing scrutiny should a young person reoffend.
