Moped and dirt bike seized in Ashford amid anti-social behaviour issues
Published: 09:51, 26 March 2023
Updated: 09:51, 26 March 2023
A man has been arrested and two motorbikes seized in a police crackdown on nuisance bikers.
Police in Ashford have been taking action following a spate of bike-related crimes.
The two-wheeled menaces have been causing havoc in the town recently, prompting increased police patrols across the area.
Officers were in the Newtown area earlier this week when they arrested a man and seized a moped and a dirt bike.
A statement from the force posted on social media yesterday read: "Officers from the Ashford community support unit were conducting patrol of Newtown due nuisance motorcycles.
"Officers were successful in detaining one male and securing two of the motorcycles for seizure using police powers relating to section 59 Police Reform Act and no insurance offences.
"The male was arrested for a number of matters and taken to custody for processing."
Recently, nuisance bikers were said to have caused thousands of pounds of damage in a series of incidents at a golf club in Canterbury – with bosses fearing the situation could turn violent.
Canterbury Golf Club chairman Steve Eeles says in the latest attacks, the motorcyclists drove onto the club's course twice in the space of two days.
"They have caused thousands, if not tens of thousands of pounds of damage and have left members, staff and local golfers feeling threatened," he added.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce plans to have anti-social behaviour offenders put to work in jumpsuits or hi-vis jackets to clean up their crimes within 48 hours of being handed punishments.
The Prime Minister said his plan, due to be announced on Monday, would “crack down” on anti-social behaviour “once and for all”.
A key plank of the measures will be making justice “immediate” and ensuring that communities can visibly see efforts to clean up vandalism and graffiti.
Other punishments could include picking up litter, washing police cars or doing unpaid work in shops, according to Downing Street.
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Alex Jee