News Maidstone tackling nuisance bikes
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is joining forces with Kent Police to tackle nuisance bikes as part of The Safer Maidstone Partnership. By pooling resources, targeted operations are being planning where illegal bikes, quadbikes, and similar vehicles will be seized.
Kent Police, who tested the operation model in Shepway and Parkwood during the summer of 2024, had resounding success, seizing 10 nuisance bikes in one month and issuing several formal and informal warnings to known or suspected anti-social riders.
Operation Deplete is now being enhanced with more technology and collaboration with MBC to help stop irresponsible riders. Alongside the technology and resources, community support has been identified as a key part of this effort to improve safety and wellbeing across the Borough.
With an awareness and education campaign planned to further strengthen the operation, gathering support from the public is key, as MBC Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Safety, Cllr David Naghi, explains:
“MBC’s priority is to make sure all our residents and visitors to the town feel safe. This illegal activity not only puts everyone, including the rider, at risk, but disrupts the peace our residents are entitled to enjoy as they go about their lives, without the risk of being knocked over and injured. That’s why we will work with the community to address and prevent this behaviour and enforce the law at every available opportunity.“Community support has been critical to the success of this operation, and I would urge the public to stay vigilant and report anything of concern to help us continue to tackle this issue head-on.
“I would also like to thank our partners for their commitment to keeping Maidstone a safe place to live and work.”
The increased focus has been driven by residents’ concerns about the danger and disruption caused by illegal bikes, quadbikes, and similar vehicles to neighbourhoods and public spaces. This has had a significant impact on offenders and demonstrated the power of collaborative action.
Increased reporting of incidents by residents through Ward Councillors and Parish Councils via Community Safety Ward Cluster meetings has enabled police beat officers to more effectively crack down on ad hoc activity.
When the months get warmer, the Partnership will be out in force to tackle the problem through a series of planned operations and intelligence-driven busts.
CSU Inspector Steve Kent, who oversees the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“Any behaviour that endangers or causes unnecessary nuisance to the public will not be tolerated in Maidstone.“Our joint operation is sending a clear message that all eyes are on the small section of the community who are illegally using bikes. The combination of advanced technology and community engagement means offenders should expect to be identified and apprehended.”
With off-road bikes and quads proving popular gifts for children, he also urged parents to think carefully before making such a purchase, he continues:
“Maidstone Police Officers have become very good at seizing vehicles used to cause anti-social behaviour. As well as illegal bikes, my officers have seized over 120 e-scooters to date. My warning is simple: Don’t buy them as a present that my officers will take and crush!”
If you are concerned about or have witnessed illegal off-road riding, please report your concerns via 101, or Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous. Residents can also learn more about this and other campaigns by subscribing to My Community Voice, where local officers will keep you up to date on how they are reducing ASB and keeping Maidstone safe.