It is feared a child could be injured or even killed as a result of “idiots” on trail bikes and quads in Dundee.
Kirkton residents say they are living in fear due to teenage boys causing chaos on the vehicles as the speed through residential streets and rip up grassy areas.
This week a reporter and photographer from The Courier saw a group of youths causing chaos in Helmsdale Avenue and Balgowan Avenue areas.
It comes after police pledged a crackdown on the anti-social use of motorbikes and similar vehicles. Officers say they will seize and crush any bikes used in this way.
Fear for safety of children
Our reporter saw bikers ignoring road junctions, travelling at speed across grassy public areas and pulling out in front of buses and cars.
At the time there were several children playing in the streets around their homes.
One local mum said: “We have to put up with this on a near daily basis.
“We are terrified that one of the kids is going to get hit and either killed or seriously injured.”
Near misses
The mum of two children aged six and eight, who asked not to be named, said: “The boys on these bikes and quads don’t stop to think about anyone else.
“They fly round and round the streets and I’ve witnessed a few near misses.”
She added that she was aware elderly local people fear they will be knocked down.
The mum added: “They don’t stop for anything.
“Apart from the obvious dangers they also churn up the grassy areas around hear and the noise from these things is completely deafening.”
Operation Challenge
It has been a long-running issue in Dundee.
This summer The Courier reported staff at Caird Park golf course were wearing body cameras due to the abuse they suffered asking bikers to stop tearing up the green.
Police are trying to target the issue through Operation Challenge.
Inspector Peter McLennan of Downfield police station said “We are aware of concerns raised by local communities about the anti-social and illegal use of motorbikes in Dundee.
“Operation Challenge has been running for a number of years and has had a positive effect in tackling these types of incidents, but we are aware of recent reports that this behaviour is continuing.”
He added: “We have continuous focus on this issue and we devote appropriate resources to try to alleviate the problem as we understand the upset and nuisance this causes.
“We make full use of anti-social and road traffic legislation to seize motorcycles that are being used illegally.
“Many of those seized are subsequently dismantled and crushed.”
Ongoing problem
Local councillor Kevin Keenan said such anti-social behaviour is reported to him “all the time”.
This is an ongoing problem and one we are struggling to put an end to,” he said.
“If people report these incidents and can either get registration numbers, if there are any, or take footage it will help the police to catch those responsible.”
Anyone who sees bikes being used illegally is asked to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.