Police say it is 'misconception' that off-road bikes will not be pursued

Police have said it is a "misconception" that off-road bikers will not be pursued.

Officers have vowed to get a "structured response" in place and to work with colleagues such as the National Police Air Service in the north west in relation to this issue.

Police have said they will get offenders who use these vehicles locked up.

The problem has plagued Bolton some time with numerous complaints made.

But a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police's traffic unit has said it is a "misconception" that they will not be pursued.

They said:  "A common misconception is that we won't pursue those who ride anti-socially using off road bikes or scooters.

"Not true. Once we can put a structured response into place, we work relentlessly in partnership with colleagues such as the National Police Air Service North West to get these offenders locked up."

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This week an "intelligence-led" police unit was brought to crackdown on those who deal with off-road bikes.

It was reported that it would be deployed to Little Lever and other areas plagued by the scooters.

As it is intelligence-led, people are urged to report concerns to help ensure that prompt action is taken.

Cllr Liam Barnard, of Little Lever and Darcy Lever, said: “What this means for our residents is that the more the report incidents like these, then the more likely it will be that GMP will deploy these units, because they are intelligence-led.”

He added: “I’ve been speaking to my neighbours around the Dovebank estate and they have a lot of concerns about off-road bikers.

“But it's not just there, it's also around Mytham Park that people have raised concerns and all around Little Lever.”

Last year police warned drivers that their bikes would be seized if no go signs were ignored.