‘NUISANCE’ off-ride bikers are being targeted by police and council teams across Sandwell this month.

Riders are being warned of the dangers they are putting themselves and others in on the borough’s estates and green spaces – as well as the fact that it is already illegal to ride a motorbike in public open spaces, such as parks and play areas and on pavements.

Footage from council-monitored CCTV cameras is also helping police track down people involved in anti-social behaviour, so motorbikes can be seized and perpetrators taken to court.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “We’re really worried that someone could be killed or very seriously injured in Sandwell if people continue riding motorbikes illegally.

“It’s extremely dangerous and also causes a nuisance to law-abiding residents. Our anti-social behaviour team is working closely with Sandwell Police to tackle this issue.”

The authorities are planning on using the Black Country’s ground-breaking ‘car cruising’ injunction to help tackle the problem.

Sergeant Kym Jones, from Sandwell Police, said: “We are very concerned about the anti-social use of off-road motorbikes across the West Midlands, including here in Sandwell.

“It’s not just the noise they make but also the dangers of riding them. Ambulances and police are regularly called out to children and young adults who have sustained serious injuries from riding these bikes illegally and without wearing any protective clothing or a helmet.”

Although motorbikes can be ridden on private land, the rider must have the land owner's permission, while riding motorbikes in public open spaces, or without a private land owner’s permission, can result in prosecution.

Sgt Jones added: “Please help keep your communities safe this spring and summer by reporting these dangerous anti-social problems to the police via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”