Off-road bike operation in Wigan sees 14 bikes seized and four arrests made over four days of action
An operation targeting anti-social behaviour on motorbikes, e-bikes and quadbikes in Wigan has continued into 2025. Already, we have seen officers seize 14 bikes and made four arrests after a four-day period in the district.
Operation Handbrake, is part of Wigan Borough’s Community Safety Partnership work, which sees Wigan Council team up with Greater Manchester Police and our partners to tackle community concerns.
The borough of Wigan has approximately 70 per cent of its area designated as greenspace, with two canals running through large parts of the borough.
This attracts a growing number of unauthorised off-road motorbikes and quad bikes which use the public rights of way, bridleways, canal towpaths and loop lines.
Over the last two weeks, 14 bikes were taken off the road, which ranged from off roaders to quadbikes. We have made four arrests during this operation, ranging from handling stolen goods to motoring offences.
The Neighbourhood Policing Team in Wigan saw an increase of riders coming from as far as Yorkshire and beyond.
