Crackdown on ASB and off-road bikes continues in Halesowen

We’re taking action over in Halesowen in response to community concerns around antisocial behaviour and the use of off-road bikes and electric bikes causing a nuisance for our residents. Earlier this week (30 June) our Halesowen neighbourhood team joined forces with our Project Guardian officers and Dudley Council, including their specialist ASB drone officer, to carry out a dedicated operation targeting those committing ASB.

The teams were on patrol during the evening on the back of intelligence and reports that ASB on off-road bikes was happening after 4pm and into the night. Teaming up with the council and their dedicated ASB drone officer, it meant we not only had boots on the ground and in cars, but also eyes in the sky to detect those causing issues in our communities.

On patrol in hotspot areas including Stevens Park, Wollescote, and Homer Hill, Cradley, officers deployed to numerous reports of people riding off-road bikes and e-bikes. A stop and search was carried out and an e-bike was seized from a teenager with a ticket issued to the rider who failed to stop for officers and was driving without any insurance or a licence.

The teenager’s parents were also spoken with around the dangers of riding an e-bike and educated around the laws of using a privately owned one on public roads. Later in the evening, a warning notice was also handed out to a man and a young boy who was using a mechanically propelled bike underage - with advice also being given around the specific laws.

Halesowen Neighbourhood Sergeant Nichola Chester, said: “We know the communities in Halesowen have concerns around the use off-road bikes and e-bikes that are not only causing a nuisance but also putting the riders and innocent people at risk of serious harm. “By teaming up and carrying out joint operations like this with our council partners, it means we’ve got specialist equipment and skills available to us to find those breaking the law and causing misery for the public.

“We can only act on information we receive so residents help in reporting ASB incidents is vital in helping us combat the issues so we can take action. “Targeted operations like this will continue and I would ask anyone with any concerns or information to speak to my officers at one of our beat surgeries or make a report by calling 101, or on our website.” Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “Antisocial behaviour is a scourge on our society, and we have heard from residents who are keen to see us take action against those who flout the rules and disrespect our communities.

“Dudley Council is working with partners and utilising groundbreaking technologies in the fight against ASB. “As part of antisocial behaviour week, it’s great to see this week’s activity and I would like to praise all involved with it.” For more information on ASB and how to make a report Antisocial behaviour | West Midlands Police Share