Rochdale residents 'verbally abused and threatened' by 'joyriders' on off-road bikes

Residents in Rochdale have been 'verbally abused' and left 'feeling threatened' by 'joyriders' on off-road bikes.

Greater Manchester Police say officers have been 'addressing community concerns' about the anti-social behaviour caused by those on off-road vehicles, particularly in rural areas of the borough. Those living nearby have also reported having their property damaged.

While patrolling moorland areas on Saturday (June 15), officers spotted a quad bike being offloaded at the junction of Catley Lane Head and Rooley Moor Road. The bike had a false number plate.

READ MORE Bar brawl involving England and Serbia fans prompts huge police response before Euro 2024 match

Three men – aged 44, 42, and 37 – from Bury, Merseyside and Burnley, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. All three were issued community protection warnings, which imposed conditions preventing them from using off-road vehicles in a disruptive way.

The quad bike was seized, along with two vans believed to be used in crime and an additional two off-road bikes which were inside the vans. All vehicles are now subject to Section 59 in the Police Reform Act Warnings, meaning they would be seized again if found to be used off-road or in an antisocial manner.

Also on Saturday, community volunteers spotted a 4x4 vehicle breaching police warning signs prohibiting off-road vehicles likely to cause alarm, distress, or annoyance to the public. Officers stopped the driver on Woodhouse Lane and his vehicle was impounded. The owner will now need to pay a fine to recover the vehicle.

Sargent Brendan Walsh from GMP’s Rochdale district said: “We understand the prevalence of off-road vehicles in the moorland have caused distress and harm to residents, walkers, cyclists, horse riders as well as animals, and has damaged land, fencing and paths. I hope people realise the impact of their actions and think twice before using the area for a joyride.

“The proactive action we’re taking to tackle this problem should send a strong preventative message: we will not tolerate off-road vehicles used for anti-social behaviour and illegal activity. Our robust approach, working collaboratively with partners and members of the public, is an example of how we strive to stamp out problems and reach tangible solutions for our communities.”