Nuisance Bikers Face Clampdown

A scooter seized by Kent Police officers in Sittingbourne will be destroyed as efforts to target nuisance bike riders continue.

The Piaggio Liberty Scooter was confiscated after youths were caught riding it without helmets or insurance near The Meads area. Officers spotted two males riding the vehicle along Woollett Road on Tuesday 3rd September. A 15 year-old boy from Sittingbourne has been summoned to appear at court for having no licence or insurance and for not wearing a crash helmet.

Police have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy a vehicle that is being driven uninsured or where the motorist is causing a nuisance. New community support officer for Grove ward, Ian Henderson, reassured residents that measures to tackle anti-social bikers would continue to be enforced.

PCSO Henderson told SFM News "residents have told us that there is a problem with young people riding bikes dangerously in this area. This bike was seized and will be destroyed. Those riding these bikes often claim they are having harmless fun, but they can be also be very dangerous for pedestrians, especially young children or elderly people".

Kent Police's drive to tackle anti-social behaviour has led to other nuisance bike riders having vehicles destroyed. In April and May, community support officers targeted youths riding illegal mopeds and pit bikes in the Chalkwell and Milton Regis areas of Sittingbourne and action resulted in warnings to offenders and the forfeiture and destruction of vehicles.

Kent Police are reminding residents that if they are affected, or want to report any incidents, they can call them directly on 101.