Anti-social behaviour involving motorcycles in North Tyneside is on the rise, according to Northumbria Police data, bucking the overall crime reduction trend in the area. While almost all types of crime have declined recently, cases of reckless motorcycle use have increased by 60 incidents in the financial year to date.
Police Response Under Operation Capio
Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte said: “In the financial year to date, we have seen a reduction in most crime types. Motorcycle anti-social behaviour, however, is one that we are not seeing a reduction in.” The issue is being tackled under the force’s Operation Capio, launched in December 2023 to combat nuisance or illegal riding. By 2024, the operation had resulted in over 250 bikes seized and almost 150 arrests.
Ch Supt Whyte noted that problem riders are “often wearing balaclavas”, making identification difficult, but urged the public to report incidents to help track down offenders. Reports can be made through 101, private messages on social media, or the force’s live chat on its website. For incidents currently happening or posing immediate danger, the force encourages calling 999.
Resident Complaints and Impact
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) previously spoke to residents in the council wards of Chirton and Percy Main earlier this year, many of whom reported that anti-social bike riding was a frequent source of noise. The ward had the most noise complaints out of the 20 wards in North Tyneside.
Stacy Barber, 30, of Meadowell, told the LDRS on April 30: “We get kids on electric bikes on my road and it’s constant, up and down the road all the time.” Nicole Stewart, 30, added: “Our housing estate backs onto the Waggonways. I wouldn’t say you can hear noise from the house but going out for a walk you do and it’s quite terrifying. Our little boy is just three and he gets a heck of a shock.”
E-Bike Concerns and Calls for Regulation
E-bikes have been a hot topic following the jailing of Billy Stokoe, 19, after he fatally collided with Gloria Stephenson, an 86-year-old great-grandmother, in Sunderland last year. After Stokoe’s sentencing in May this year, the LDRS spoke to Newcastle residents, many of whom supported further regulation and crackdowns on such bikes.
Police are asking for information including date, time, location, descriptions of riders and bikes, and details on where nuisance or illegal bikes are stored.
