A MAJOR police operation was carried out in Johnson Fold, Hall i' th' Wood, Astley Bridge and Breightmet following complaints about nuisance off-road motorcyclists.

In less than five hours, a quad bike was seized in Dunsop Drive, Johnson Fold, a warning was given to an off-road motorcyclist in Bottom O' Th' Moor, Harwood, and police officers gathered vital intelligence from members of the public.

The large police response on Sunday afternoon followed more than 50 complaints about off-road quad bikes, scooters and motorcycles made over the past three months.

Inspector Nicola Williams, who organised the operation, said: “We have received a huge number of calls about ongoing problems with off-road bikers in these areas. These are just those that have been reported. The problem is far greater.

“We are working extremely hard to combat the problem but due to our limited resources and capabilities, we are unable to stop these bikers. I therefore organised for three police officers from Operation Camenca to join us and seize some bikes.”

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Police team out in force to target nuisance off-road bikers

One of the major problem areas is Longsight Lane, including Longsight Park and Bolton Open Golf Club, which accounted for 16 of the complaints.

Other streets which are being subjected to repeat offences include Greenway Close in Hall i' th' Wood, Hill Cot Road, Tattersall Avenue and Wilkinson Road, with peak times including Friday nights and weekends.

Six local police officers, six PCSOs and three Police Now students joined the Operation Camenca patrols for a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

It took about one month to arrange for Camenca officers to join the team for the operation. The patrols are trained to determine the legality of bikes and have powers to seize them.

Within two minutes of attending hotspot areas, police discovered an off-road biker in Shackleton Grove, Johnson Fold, though the biker made off.

One resident, who lives in Tattersall Avenue, said: “It is nice knowing there is a police presence around. It stops the nuisance bikers who are driving up and down the streets at all hours. But when the police leave, they will be back again.”

Nicola said: “This operation was planned in response to residents’ concerns. We want to keep working with people and ask them to continue providing us with intelligence by calling 101 or using the web portal if they see off-road bikers so we can send our resources to specific locations.”