Operation makes for uneasy riders (From Warrington Guardian)

Operation makes for uneasy riders

THIS speeding biker was just one person caught by Operation Anvil.

The 18-year-old was estimated to be travelling at 40mph on a scrambler bike near children playing football in Birchwood Park on Monday afternoon.

He had been stopped for doing the same thing only the day before, but initially blamed his woes on his race rather than his illegal riding, and let the tyres down on his bike when the police came close.

He eventually gave in to the police and community support officers, who took his bike away to be locked in a storage yard until he pays for its release.

The youth was one of several motorcyclists who repeatedly ride in parks, either unaware or not caring that it is illegal.

The summer months are the high point of the problem and bikers have deliberately targeted council rangers when challenged by them.

Police, aided by scrambler bikes borrowed from Halton police, have been patrolling Sankey Valley Park, Orford Park, Birchwood Forest Park and Bennetts Rec.

PCSO Kath Harkin said: "This is not about spoiling people's fun. It's about taking action against nuisance riders who deliberately behave in a dangerous way.

"This kind of behaviour will only lead to someone being hurt."