Communities blighted by off-road biking in public parks, and intimidating street racing are set to benefit from new police powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social drivers face having their cars, e-scooters or off-road bikes seized and destroyed after 48 hours under stronger powers proposed by the government.
Currently, police must wait 14 days before being able to dispose of a vehicle, making it easier for offenders to reclaim their vehicles and with a limited deterrent to repeat offending. The measure to fast-track the disposal of vehicles comes alongside additional proposals to give police stronger powers to seize any vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning.
The changes are expected to have a wider impact on tackling more serious crime with e-scooters and e-bikes often used to facilitate drug dealing, organised acquisitive crime and serious violence.
We’re so used to seeing powerful vehicles on our roads that it’s easy to forget just how dangerous and noisy they can be, especially when they are being used antisocially.
Our members tell us that the impact on a community or neighbourhood can be huge, creating safety risks, noise disturbance and intimidating people. This initiative sends a strong message that activities like off-road biking in public parks and street racing are not harmless, but very dangerous and damaging.
Sandra Bauer, Neighbourhood Watch Head of Policy, Partnerships and Projects and Deputy Chief Executive
In a public consultation published today, the government is reviewing the statutory fees for removing, storing, and disposing of vehicles in England and Wales. This will help make sure police can afford to keep removing anti-social and illegal off-road bikes and other vehicles from our streets.