Anger as operation cracking down on bike disorder axed

COUNCILLORS have reacted furiously to the news that a long-running operation to tackle motorcycle disorder in Cramlington is coming to an end.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Northumbria Police launched Operation Capio in 2023 in a bid to tackle the issue across the region.

However, Government funding for the work ended in March, and the operation - hailed as a success will no longer be running in Cramlington.

Officials at the office of the police and crime commissioner have said that there will be more officers on the ground to tackle the issue thanks to a new initiative from the Home Office.

Cramlington has experienced significant issues with motorbike disorder in recent years. Between 2020 and 2023, the town saw 694 incidents of antisocial behaviour involving the illegal use of off-road and electric motorbikes the third highest figure of any town in Northumberland.

Operation Capio was launched in response to rising numbers across the region. It focuses on identifying "prolific nuisance riders" and seizing their vehicles.

In November, neighbourhood inspectors for the Cramlington area said the operation had a "really good success rate" and had "reassured communities".