Four people were arrested by police in West Leeds during a Hallowe’en crackdown on the anti-social use of motorcycles and quad bikes.
The operation yesterday (Tuesday) involved officers from the force’s Roads Policing Unit, Air Support and District officers from the neighbourhood and off-road bike teams and was designed to stop ‘ride-out’ incidents which have affected the district on Hallowe’en in previous years.
Back in 2019 groups of motorcycles and quad bikes congregated around Seacroft, Kirkstall Road and Roundhay Park before riding in and around the city centre, with about 40 to 50 vehicles involved at its peak.
Last night’s work included the arrest of two males after a motorcycle was abandoned in Calverley following a police pursuit. The bike (pictured) was found to have been stolen from Armley earlier that day.
Then there were police stops of motorbikes in Bramley and Kirkstall. The first which resulted in the arrest of its rider for breach of a court order. The latter revealed the bike to be on false plates and saw the rider reported for summons to court.
There was also a motorist arrested on suspicion of being over the prescribed limit for alcohol in East Leeds. He was later charged with the offence.
Superintendent Dan Wood said: “We recognise the anti-social and criminal use of vehicles is a big issue for people in the district and continue to address it where possible, through our work with partners and specialist resources at West Yorkshire Police.
“We are committed to making our communities safer and will use whatever legislation we have to take positive action against anyone found to be using a vehicle in this way.”