Issue - meetings

It was moved by Councillor Thomas, seconded by Councillor Cluskey and unanimously:

Scrambler Bikes

RESOLVED:           That:

Scramblers are terrorising too many communities. It is a growing and disturbing trend. It affects areas, predominantly urban, right across the country and our region, unfortunately, with no sign of cessation.

We are all familiar with the media case of a young woman from Netherton. She was on her way to pick up her 5 year old daughter on 1^st October, when a scrambler bike hit her.

Whilst we acknowledge that Merseyside Police do their best to police the use of these vehicles, there currently exists a shortfall in funding to combat this type of dangerous criminal conduct that is blighting our Communities.

Sefton Council respectfully call upon the Government to increase the resources for tackling crimes where the bike is being driven in an unsafe or antisocial manner and to actively support any positive action that can be pursued in order to counteract the serious public safety issues associated with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes. 

We encourage the Government to work with our Partnerships on legislation that significantly improves the policing of this area of criminality .

Sefton Council recognises: -

1.

a)       the ongoing problems of motorbike crime and other           antisocial behaviour which blights our communities,

b)       that such disorder is caused by a small number of           individuals who are not reflective of the wider    community,

c)the commitment, professionalism and bravery of police officers who work hard to provide a visible police presence.

d)        that the success in tackling these issues will     depend, not just on effective policing, but also on       improved education and community support.
           Council commends Police and partners for their          work as part of the Scrambler Bike campaign which is currently on hold due to the Coronavirus      pandemic.

2.     Council would welcome additional national policing resources which may be deployed in local communities to bolster this campaign, and in so doing recognises the positive impact of a visible on the street police presence in areas affected by crime.

3.     Council welcomes the cross-party support which exists for the campaign and the collaboration between local councillors and MPs with local police, council officials and community representatives.

4.     Council commits to continuing to support this campaign by working with the police, voluntary organisations and the wider community, providing the necessary support and resources where required.

5.     Council commits to further tackling these issues through education in schools and community-based activities which can help reduce situations which lead to anti-social behaviour.

6.     Council, therefore, calls for the Sefton Safer Communities Partnership to consider what further action the Council can take to address the underlying issues which lead to crime and antisocial behaviour as part of a longer-term strategy on these issues.