Police to crackdown on off-road bike menace in Gamesley as crime surges

A plague of antisocial behaviour in Gamesley has prompted Derbyshire Police to warn people against using off-road bikes on the estate.

Riding any type of motorbike in parks, on public land or on pavements is illegal, and the force has asked residents to contact them when they see it. 

“Some people regard this kind of vehicle use as harmless fun,” said High Peak PCSO Lee Willows. “However, regular antisocial vehicle use can have a wider impact on a neighbourhood or community than simply nuisance noise. 

“The effect of dangerous or reckless use of a vehicle can lead to criminal damage of roads, other vehicles and surrounding property. 

“Drivers and riders also risk injuring themselves, other road users, cyclists and pedestrians as they do not have full control of their vehicle and their full attention on their surroundings. 

“Driving or riding in this way can also be used as a form of intimidation, either to other road users or the community. Loud noise from engines and music, and deliberately creating large amounts of exhaust or tyre smoke can also be seen as an aggressive act.” 

Following on from an appeal earlier in year, police would like descriptions of the bikes, their registration plate numbers, the people using them, the times and routes they are thought to be taking and where the vehicles are stored. 

Anybody with information should call the police’s non-emergency 101 number, submit a form on the Derbyshire Police’s website, send a private message to them on Facebook, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

There were 50 crimes reported in Gamesley during June 2024 – the most recent figures available – up from 30 in May and the highest number for a year. 

Violence and sexual offences made up 42% of the total, with antisocial behaviour, public order offences and burglaries making up the bulk of the lawbreaking.