Inverclyde police look to use drones in dirt bike crackdown

The area's top police officer says his teams have already seized three of the vehicles in response to concerns raised by members of the public.

The Tele previously reported on fears that someone could be killed if those who race around Greenock Cemetery on the bikes aren't stopped.

Chief Inspector David Docherty says it has been a challenge to detect those responsible because they wear helmets that make them difficult to identify.

Speaking after a meeting of the council's police and fire scrutiny panel, Chief Inspector Docherty said: "We are aware of local concerns and complaints regarding the dangerous riding of dirt bikes, associated anti-social behaviour and criminality.

“Three bikes have been seized in the last three weeks, resulting in reports to the procurator fiscal for road traffic offences.

Police in Inverclyde have seized three dirt bikes in three weeks in a bid to crack down on safety and noise concerns. (Image: Newsquest) “As well as targeting this issue as part of daily patrols, community policing teams are being supported by road policing colleagues to carry out pro-active enforcement to tackle these illegal and dangerous acts which put others at risk.

"We are also working with partner agencies and considering other equipment and resources available to us."

During the panel's meeting Councillor Paul Cassidy said he had heard concerns from a cross-section of the public that dirt bikes were an issue, and the perception that police were not doing enough to tackle the problem.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Cassidy added: "During the last couple of months I have been going round all the community councils, and a couple of them had raised concerns about dirt bikes in different parts of Inverclyde and there is a perception that police are doing nothing."

Councillor Cassidy has written to the Chief Inspector to ask how many times local officers have requested assistance from Police Scotland's specialist off-road unit.

The Greenock Cemetery concerns were sparked by a resident living nearby who expressed concern at both the noise nuisance and the safety risk.

Ward councillor Graeme Brooks took on the case and said he was contacting police about what could be done.

Councillor Paul Cassidy said he'd been told of a perception police weren't doing enough to tackle the illegal use of off-road bikes in Inverclyde. (Image: George Munro) Speaking at the panel's meeting, Chief Inspector Docherty said dirt bikes were difficult to combat, but revealed an action plan had been drawn up along with road policing officers in a bid to catch the culprits.

He said: "One of the options we considered was to keep the gates closed at night, and using drones to trace where these bikes are located."

He added: "Anyone purchasing an off-road dirt bike or quad bike should be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place.

“Unregistered dirt bikes or quad bikes can only be used on private land with the owner’s permission. They are subject to the same legal requirements as any other motor vehicle, meaning that they must be insured and drivers must have a valid driving licence.

“I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about this issue to speak to local officers.”