Operation Tapan stopping criminal off-road bikers in their tracks

Patrols in Blackley this week have been disrupting anti-social off-road bikes as part of an operation to clamp down on criminal acts in the area.

Off-road bikes have been reported to be used in various crimes, including robbery, theft, and drug dealing. In addition, riders often act dangerously on the roads, while ruining green areas with tyre marks.

Operation Tapan’s aim is to tackle the bikes and the anti-social behaviour that has been associated with their use.

The operation, which is still in its early days having been launched in February, has already seen the seizure of several suspected outstanding stolen bikes, along with arrests and charges for disqualified driving, taking a vehicle without consent, and failing to appear at court.

In addition, there have been multiple arrests and charges for possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

Thanks to both the community and the work from officers, information has been gathered which has resulted in locating stolen bikes, discovering where they are stored, and finding out who has been taking them.

Residents of Blackley and the surrounding areas have told the neighbourhood team about their concerns and officers have been working hard to shut down criminality where they can find it.

On just one day this week (April 28), officers patrolled ASB hotspot areas and tackled elements of the off-road bike issues. Intelligence was gathered on stolen bikes, suspected class B drugs were found during a stop and search, and an outstanding stolen car was recovered from the streets.

Furthermore, areas where bikes have been dumped were monitored, resulting in the finding of several large canisters of nitrous oxide, which were seized on the grounds of being used with intent to supply.

While these results and more happened in just one evening, officers regularly proactively patrol to deter offenders from anti-social behaviour.

PC Thomas Wyatt, who has been leading the operation, said: “Off-road bikes can be a huge nuisance for the public. While mindless behaviour can result in ruined parks and pitches, they can also be used to commit crimes such as robberies and thefts, while transporting illegal substances around the area.

“Op Tapan is aimed at disrupting these illegal endeavours: whether through proactively patrolling hotspots or seeking out hiding areas for stolen bikes, we are working on the ASB-busting priorities that people in Blackley want us to focus on.

“Our work is greatly influenced and aided by the local community, so I would urge anyone with any information to please get in touch with us. Your input could be incredibly helpful in getting the maximum results in tackling illegal behaviour.”

To contact the Blackley neighbourhood team regarding any issues, you can report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, referencing Operation Tapan. You can do so on their website at crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.

A new community messaging system, Bee In The Loop has also launched - and is your direct line to your neighbourhood policing team, designed to keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community.

Sign up to receive free text or email alerts at beeintheloop.co.uk.