A fresh effort to tackle antisocial and criminal use of motorbikes in Aberdeen was launched by police yesterday.
Operation Armour – formerly Operation Trinity – looks to target individuals who cause a nuisance in their communities by riding motorcycles illegally or in a dangerous way.
Last year saw 70 vehicles seized, including 66 motorbikes, and 60 people charged with various offences as part of the operation, which is now in its 11th year.
Inspector Mark Stephen, of the Mastrick community policing team, said: “Operation Armour will not only look to tackle the issue of antisocial behaviour but also the wider problem of motorcycle thefts.
“Over the last four years we’ve seen a steady decrease in calls to us reporting incidents, but there is still a small minority who ignore traffic rules and ride dangerously and irresponsibly, causing a menace and more importantly a danger to the public.
“This is not acceptable and we will continue to target those intent on behaving in this way.”
Inspector Stephen said antisocial motorcycle use could be anything from “speeding, riding on footpaths and open land such as playing fields” to “not wearing the right protective clothing”
A dedicated team of officers will be working alongside colleagues from the roads policing unit, city wardens, the fire service, Aberdeen Community Safety Hub and the public to tackle the issue.