Young people riding motorbikes dangerously on our streets, green space, cycleways and even pavements has been causing anger and alarm in North Edinburgh for a long time now, so local residents will be delighted to hear that city police have launched a new operation dedicated to tackling motorbike theft and associated antisocial behaviour in the Capital.
The method used to steal motor bikes often involves causing damage to the bike’s steering, which makes controlling the vehicles particularly difficult. This makes accidents far more likely and puts both the rider and members of the public in danger.
Operation Soteria began earlier this week with two days of enforcement activity in the city utilising a range of resources from across Police Scotland.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Road Policing Officers from Edinburgh and Glasgow, along with Special Constables, supported local policing teams to carry out various activities aimed at tackling motorcycle-related offences.
Together, they conducted high visibility road and foot patrols in areas where a number of thefts and motorbike-related disorder have been reported, namely the Telford, Pilton, Drylaw and Leith areas.
Off-road policing bikes were utilised to help patrol walkways and cycle paths following a number of complaints from the public, and covert officers were deployed in these areas to intercept suspicious behaviour.
The Evidence Gathering Teams were also deployed with high definition cameras, which are used to discourage offending and secure vital evidence to help identify perpetrators when this does occur.
As a result of this activity, three people were issued with vehicle ASBOs, which means if they are found to be involved in repeat offences they will have their vehicles seized. In addition, a 16-year-old male was arrested and is being investigated for links to motorcycle offences in the area.
A stolen motorcycle was also recovered and off-road bike teams who were deployed on patrol were able to gather various pieces of intelligence that will continue to be progressed as part of this initiative.
Chief Inspector Jimmy Jones, North West Area Commander, said: “Since May this year officers in the North West of Edinburgh have been heavily involved in the gathering of intelligence and enforcement in relation to motorcycle offences in the region.
“The launch of Operation Soteria is a renewal of our commitment and dedication to disrupting motorbike theft and related disorder throughout Edinburgh.
“As part of this, we’ve drawn on resources from across Edinburgh and utilised national resources to prevent and detect this activity.
“Pursuit is not always a viable option in tackling this behaviour when there are youths involved, as it not only risks their safety but that of all other road users.
“We’re committed to exploring other tactics which can be used to combat this, including off-road police bikes, covert officers and the Evidence Gathering Team, as well as working closely with partners to seek other solutions for diverting or deterring the young people involved in this behaviour”
Councillor Cammy Day, Community Safety leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The theft of motorbikes and related offences has become a real problem in parts of Edinburgh and one that I know is a matter of great concern to the local community.
“Exercises like Operation Soteria are a great step forward in tackling crimes like these. Vehicle theft, and antisocial vehicle use has a huge impact on victims, and as we have seen recently, can have tragic consequences too.
“We are committed to doing everything in our power to help prevent these crimes and to keep people and property safe.
“We must send a strong message that these activities will not be tolerated. I would urge motorbike owners to be vigilant, and to take steps to ensure their motorbikes are properly secured in order to deter potential thieves.
“I would also encourage anyone who suspects that a vehicle is stolen or suspects someone is involved in criminal activity to contact the police or crimestoppers so that they can respond quickly and hopefully stop this worrying trend.”
Officers are also appealing the public’s support and urging motorbike owners to make use of all possible security measures.
These include parking in well-lit areas, making use of secure car parks or anchoring facilities, audible alarm systems and tracking devices.
The public are asked to continue to report motorbike misuse or abandoned motorbikes at the earliest opportunity.
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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