A targeted operation dealing with anti-social off-road bikers circles back to Wigan
Greater Manchester Police's Operation Handbrake has returned to Wigan, targeting anti-social off-road bikers. Over four days, four arrests were made and 14 bikes seized. The operation involves collaboration with Wigan Council and uses SmartTag forensic spray to track offenders. Increased patrols are planned for school holidays and summer months in key areas like Bickershaw Country Park. Authorities urge public reporting of incidents to aid enforcement efforts.
Police Seize 14 Off-Road Bikes and Arrest Four in Wigan Crackdown
A four-day operation targeting anti-social off-road bikers in Wigan has resulted in four arrests and the seizure of 14 bikes, as police continue their crackdown on nuisance riders across Greater Manchester.
The intensified patrols, which follow a successful operation in January, form part of Operation Handbrake - a partnership between Greater Manchester Police, Wigan Council and other agencies aimed at tackling community concerns about illegal off-road biking.
Wigan’s extensive greenspace, covering approximately 70 per cent of the borough, and its two canals have attracted growing numbers of unauthorised off-road motorbikes and quad bikes. Riders have been travelling from as far as Yorkshire to use public rights of way, bridleways, canal towpaths and loop lines illegally.
Police are deploying SmartTag technology as a key preventative measure. The traceable forensic spray allows officers to mark offenders and their bikes with a unique water-based solution that links suspects to specific crime scenes. Two riders have already been successfully prosecuted for dangerous driving after being tagged.
Sergeant Dan Canavan from Wigan’s Neighbourhood Policing Team warned: “These vehicles cause significant distress to our communities - from the excessive noise - to the damage to our local parks and green spaces, and most concerning, the serious safety risk they pose to innocent members of the public.”
Increased patrols will focus on Bickershaw Country Park and the Aspull, West Leigh and Wutchy areas during upcoming school holidays and summer months. Police will have an information stand at Haigh Hall on 5-6 April 2025, where residents can learn about the operation and report incidents.
Councillor Dane Anderton emphasised the importance of public intelligence: “This intelligence from residents has been crucial to the operations success, enabling officers to take swift and effective action against offenders.”
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