A teenager wearing a balaclava and riding across Victoria Square at Stockton Heath was arrested as part of an ongoing clampdown on anti-social off-road biking in the Warrington area.
Officers from Warrington Local Policing Unit visited various hotspots for anti-social off-road bike riding as part of a high-visibility day of action, engaging with members of local communities.
On Sunday 27 April 2025, Warrington Local Policing Unit (LPU), in conjunction with Cheshire Police’s Motorcycle Unit, continued their work in relation to Operation Hardhit in conducting high visibility patrols in the Burtonwood, Winwick, Croft, Latchford, Birchwood and Lymm areas of Warrington in response to recent reports of off-road vehicles in an anti-social manner by a minority of individuals.
Reports received by Cheshire Police in recent weeks have highlighted that numerous groups have used off-road vehicles in a dangerous and anti-social manner primarily in the outer areas of Warrington. Reports received have noted damage to public spaces, damage to private property and riders putting pedestrians and other road users at risk of harm through dangerous driving.
Officers patrolled key locations such as Houghton Green Pool in Winwick and Lymm Dam. They were joined by Councillor Stuart Mann of the Burtonwood and Winwick Parish, who was pleased to see a considerable number of members of the public engaging with officers, who suitably reassured them that they were committed to tackling the issue head-on.
Police Constable Matthew Salmon, of the Northern Problem-Solving Team, said: “This day of community engagement is a direct response to concerns raised by residents regarding speeding and other anti-social driving offences across the wider Warrington area, demonstrating that we will always listen to members of the community regarding any concerns that they have, particularly when it regards a subject as important as road safety.”
“Cheshire Police appreciates that the vast majority of motorbike riders are law-abiding, safe and courteous towards other road users, however, a small sub-section of riders primarily using uninsured off-road motorbikes believe their enjoyment is more important than the safety and rights of others. This will not be tolerated and we will continue our efforts to proactively target these individuals.”
“As the weather improves and the days begin to grow longer, officers will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas at key times across the northern area and will continue to target those causing a nuisance in their communities.”
Over the past month, officers working under Operations HardHit and Scrambler have been working hard in tackling the issue of anti-social and dangerous riding across the northern area, with a number of positive results, including:
A mixture of four electric and off-road bikes were seized during a warrant related to drug supply, with three people arrested in connection with the investigation.
A 16-year-old boy received a 12-month driving ban in relation to the dangerous driving of an electric motorbike in March on Poplars Avenue.
An operation in Widnes on 11 April 2025 saw officers issuing several Traffic Reports to anti-social drivers and riders as well as seized nine vehicles, including a number of motorbikes, illegally adapted pedal bikes (one of which was recorded driving at a top speed of approx. 45mph) and e-scooters.
A 37-year-old man was also arrested for driving whilst disqualified and being in possession of a bladed article during the same operation.
Recently, on Friday 25 April, Warrington LPU Response officers in Stockton Heath, with the assistance of an intervening member of the public, arrested an 18-year-old man from Warrington who was seen driving an electric motorbike wearing a balaclava. He was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.
Anyone with information regarding the anti-social riding of e-bikes, motorbikes or quad bikes should contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or give the details via the website.
Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.
