A SCHEME to help clampdown on the impact of nuisance bikes and quads has proved so successful that it is to be rolled out across the whole of the Bradford district.

Garage Watch was launched in Shipley in June, as part of the town’s Neighbourhood Policing Team’s commitment to reducing the impact of nuisance riders causing anti-social behaviour.

The scheme received the support of service stations in the Shipley area as police called on service stations to carry out a series of steps to help make further progress in reducing incidents of fuel sales to people where it is likely they would be using fuel in vehicles to cause anti-social behaviour.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Police are looking to tackle the problem of nuisance riders causing anti-social behaviour across the whole of the Bradford districtPolice are looking to tackle the problem of nuisance riders causing anti-social behaviour across the whole of the Bradford district

Garage Watch posters have been on prominent display in each participating service stations throughout this summer.

The scheme is set to be rolled out across the whole of the Bradford district after its success in the Shipley area over the last three months.

 

Sergeant Terri Green, of the Baildon, Bingley and Bingley Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, who unveiled the plans to residents in June, today tweeted: “Garagewatch has been so successful we're rolling it out across the Bradford district.

“Grateful to amazing staff at the fuel stations for their unwavering support.

“Specifics have gone out via community alert to my communities. #NotOnMyPatch.”

The scheme calls for its members to refuse sale of fuel to any illegal off-road motorbikes/quads or any other off-road vehicle.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The BP garage in Shipley is one of the service stations to have backed Garage Watch this summerThe BP garage in Shipley is one of the service stations to have backed Garage Watch this summer

Other steps include the removal of helmets, masks, scarves or anything obscuring the person’s identity while on the forecourt will be required.

West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have all teamed up for the initiative.

Garagewatch led to a number of arrests including after garage staff were allegedly threatened with violence after refusing a petrol sale in a new move to restrict fuel supply to nuisance off-road motorcycle riders.

The incident at a service station in Baildon in June saw two men alleged to have threatened staff with violence and are suspected of giving police false names when they were arrested.

The males pleaded guilty at court and received a £199 fine each for giving false names to attending officers as well as the threats themselves

At the scheme’s launch in June, Sgt Green wrote: “Whilst we cannot stop everyone from accessing fuel, we can certainly reduce the opportunities by working together and appreciating the impact this can have.”

Information can be passed anonymously and confidentially via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

 

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