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More than 60 illegal bikes have been seized since the inception of a task force five weeks ago, Cleveland Police say

More than 60 illegal bikes seized in crackdown as quad bike caught on camera driving wrong way down dual carriageway(Image: Cleveland Police)

A quad biker has been caught on camera driving the wrong way along a dual carriageway amid a police crackdown on illegal bikes. Footage shared by Cleveland Police shows the quad bike coming off a roundabout onto the wrong side of the carriageway.

It has been shared as the force provides an update on its task force targeting suspected illegal bikes. On Sunday, July 12, 24 suspected stolen vehicles were seized in the force area.

The officers were on patrol in the Guisborough area when they spotted an illegal quad bike, which they then followed utilising a police drone to land in the South Bank area where a number of vehicles were found hidden in bushes. In five weeks since its inception, more than 60 illegal bikes have been seized and removed.

In total, 10 people are facing criminal prosecution while a further four will be issued with a community protection warning. The force has said some investigations are also being led by neighbouring forces, where vehicles have been stolen in their areas.

Matrix Chief Inspector Zoe Kelsey said "Our task force has been operational for just over a month and has already seized 67 illegal bikes. That's 67 opportunities removed from criminals and antisocial riders who think they can disrupt our communities without consequence.

“We will continue to get in the faces of those who use illegal bikes to commit crime and intimidate residents. We know the harm and frustration these offenders cause, and we will continue to take robust action against those who use off-road bikes for criminality. Our communities deserve to feel safe, and we remain committed to making that happen."

The force says the innovative approach sees officers dedicated to tackling those who use bikes illegally and for committing crime and anti-social behaviour, using a mixture of tactics and capabilities, including using electric bikes, which means officers can be more agile and responsive.

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