Helicopter used in bid to tackle motorbike crime

Police have been dealing with a spate of motorcycle crime in east Bristol and Kingswood.

Officers received numerous calls on the afternoon of Saturday  September 2, reporting a group of between 30 and 40 people riding antisocially on roads, pavements and green spaces. 

Officers on the ground were supported by the drone unit and the National Police Air Service helicopter to safely monitor the group, several of whom were reportedly in their mid-teens and not wearing helmets.

A man in his 20s was arrested in Eastville for driving offences.

Police will review footage submitted by the public as well as that recorded by the drone and helicopter units in order to investigate and take action against those involved in this anti-social behaviour. 

On September 5, a motorbike was stolen from Westgate Buildings in Bath.

The force said officers responding to a report of an altercation in Regent Street, Kingswood, at about 8pm the same day found the involved parties had left, but a witness said it had happened after a member of the public challenged two people on a motorbike that was being ridden on the pavement.

The officers searched the area and saw a motorbike being pushed along in Grimsbury Road.

The male pushing the bike fled on foot into neighbouring gardens. Despite a search by officers on the ground, supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter, the man was not found.

The blue and white Honda CRF was seized after being identified as the motorbike stolen from Bath.

Two days later the helicopter was used again to help officers on the ground track a suspected stolen motorbike with rider and pillion passenger.

When it was safe to do so, a stinger device was used to stop the vehicle on Clouds Hill Road, St George, at about 8pm. One person was detained nearby following a search involving a police dog handler.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop for police.

A black Honda motorbike PCX125, reported stolen from Laura Place, Bath on Thursday, has been recovered.