Alex welcomes Cleveland Police action – Operation Kickstart – to tackle illegal motorbike use in Norton, Tilery and Portrack

Stockton North MP, Alex Cunningham, has welcomed Cleveland Police’s successful ‘Operation Kickstart’ initiative to tackle illegal motorbike nuisance in the Norton, Tilery and Portrack areas.

Local residents have been in touch with Alex about the matter after a spate of incidents in the area, including quad bike riders causing nuisance and chewing up the grass on the Great North Park. Alex’s office have been working with the police to provide local intelligence with the hope of catching perpetrators in the act.

Over the last 24 hours and relying on this local intelligence, Cleveland Police’s Operation Kickstart – led by Sergeant Cookland – has seized three scooters, two trial bikes  and one quad bike. A quantity of Cannabis was also seized during this action.

Alex said:

“Local residents are fed up with illegal motorbike nuisance, with some fearing that there could be serious accident due to the irresponsible actions of perpetrators.

“After a number of constituents got in touch, I’ve been providing local intelligence to Cleveland Police in the hope that their Operation Kickstart will get results. I’m really pleased to see that the action of the police has resulted in a number of bikes being taken off the road.

“I’d like to thank Sgt Cookland and his team for their hard work and hope this encourages more people to come forward and report illegal motorbike use”

Residents are encouraged to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reports will be treated confidentially. Alternatively, residents of Stockton North can contact Alex’s office or their local councillors.