Off-road bikes in Birchwood – can you help us?

Our officers have been investigating illegal riding of off-road bikes in the Birchwood area of Lincoln for the past three weeks, and we’re now calling on the local community to help us put a stop to it.

The reports we have received are of a group of up to four youths illegally riding off-road bikes on the roads around Woodfield Avenue and Staverton Crescent, as well as riding irresponsibly on footpaths and in the surrounding wooded areas.

We have received a report daily since the start of May of incidents taking place between 3pm and 8pm.

Local officer PC Al Kirkwood said: “This isn’t just kids messing around. This is incredibly dangerous and reckless behaviour, and it’s remarkable that there have been no serious injuries to the people riding these bikes or any pedestrians.

"That risk includes the young school children who attend the nearby infant and primary schools, who would be walking in that area at the time of the incidents. These young people are not wearing helmets or other protective clothing, and are believed to be riding at speeds upwards of 30mph and doing wheelies in the road.

"We shouldn’t have to remind parents and carers of their responsibility to know where their children are and what they are doing – and more importantly, that they shouldn’t be providing their children with the equipment to behave so recklessly. But sadly we find ourselves in that position. We’ll also take this chance to remind parents and carers that if their actions have contributed to significant anti-social behaviour, their tenancy could be at risk.”

Since the reports started, our officers have been working on this problem. We have been carrying out proactive patrols in the area as well as speaking with the local community, viewing footage, and speaking with people suspected to have been involved. We are also working with the local housing team.

How can you help?

We would be keen to view any video footage which captures faces, or intelligence about where the bikes are kept and who is using them.

We can take your statements anonymously by making use of ASB legislation which is there to protect the community, and means that we can protect the identity of people who feel too frightened to put their name to a complaint. We hope that by understanding this is an option, you may feel more confident in coming forward knowing we will do everything we can to protect you. 

If you can help, please contact PC Al Kirkwood via email on [email protected] and reference off road bikes, Birchwood.