NUISANCE motorcycle reports have dropped by 75 per cent in the city, according to Hampshire Constabulary.

For months residents told the Daily Echo of their struggle with rogue riders causing mayhem in parks, along roads and in other public spaces.

But police now say the number of incidents this summer compared to last year has decreased by three-quarters.

In July 2018, 16 incidents were recorded, compared with July 2017 when 65 reports to officers were received.

Similar figures were also tracked in August and September.

Police believe the reason for the decline is due to Operation Torque, a local initiative set up by PC Simon Peacock, with the mission to reduce the number of incidents involving mini mopeds being driven illegally and dangerously in Millbrook and the surrounding areas.

PC Peacock said despite the low figures, his team remain committed to tackling motorcycle nuisance.

He added: “Summer, and especially the school holidays, is one of busiest times and considering the amount of hot days we had this year, this is a huge reduction in this kind of Anti-Social Behaviour which is usually common in warmer temperatures.

“We have only been able to achieve this with help from the community, giving us information and evidence to take action against those found to be riding illegally or driving dangerously. Information from the community is invaluable and the success of Operation Torque is a reflection of this."

Earlier this year, the Daily Echo revealed that gangs of vigilantes had taken action into their own hands to try and combat the riders.

Residents on Sinclair Road, Lordshill, claimed they were being intimidated by a group of up to 20 youngsters, who rode at high speeds on footpaths past their homes.

One said that members of a gang broke into a parked car and pushed it over a grass verge, causing it to smash through a couple's front garden.

In a bid to stop the rogue bikers, Hampshire Constabulary teamed up with Bluestar and First Bus, using CCTV from its vehicles to track down anti-social bikers in areas such as Shirley, Millbrook, Coxford, Lordshill and Redbride.

So far, the Redbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team has taken formal action against six people this year so far found to be using motorcycles illegally or driving dangerously.

Penalties have included points on licences, driving disqualifications and fines for no insurance.

"Our message remains the same, tell us what you know and together we can carry on reducing incidents," PC Peacock added.

"We continue to appeal for names, descriptions and locations of where these bikes are being stored, plus photographic or video evidence.

"We want to provide the service you expect and we can only do that together."

CONTACT ME

t: 02380 424534

e: clive.hammond@dailyecho.co.uk