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14 motorbikes and mini-motos have been crushed after they were confiscated by police in Loughborough during a crack down on young people who drive dangerously and inconsiderately on roads, parks and public places. Since May 1st 2008 officers have been using powers given to them under the Police Reform Act. Under Section 59, officers can stop anyone driving in a manner deemed inconsiderate and careless and warn them that if they are caught doing it again within 12 months their vehicle will be taken away. Once the car or motorbike is seized, the owner has to pay £105 to get it back and £12 per day for storage. If it isn't collected within 21 days the vehicle is crushed. Four of Loughborough's nine neighbourhood beats have tackling nuisance motorbikes as a policing priority prompting the police to take action. Those four beats are Sharpley and Garendon, Shepshed and Hathern, Hastings and Meadow Lane and Willowbrook. Sergeant Jamie Osborn said; "We have started a six month campaign which is designed to stop young people from driving anti-socially, making a noise and causing a danger to themselves and others. Reports of this type of anti-social behaviour increase during the Spring and Summer months as more people sit in their gardens or visit parks and the nicer weather brings more young people out on their bikes. Not only does riding inconsiderately or on parks and other public place cause a disturbance, it is also dangerous. "People should be able to enjoy the summer evenings without the constant revving of bike engines and I would urge bikers to abide by the law or risk losing their prized possession." Officers will also be giving out Vehicle Rectification Notices if bikes have been illegally modified i.e. the exhaust has been cut off to make it noisier. |
