Reporting Illegal & Anti-Social Use of Motorcycles in Public Open Spaces

"People of Rotherhithe" (Residents, Visitors & Workers) can all help by promptly reporting illegal and anti-social motorcyclists to the “Rotherhithe Community Safety Service Providers”.

1)  Reporting Dangerous, Illegal & Anti-Social Riding of Motorcycles in Public

Report such incidents immediately by calling "999" if the motorcyclists are a danger to themselves and anyone they may encounter or you have good reasons to suspect that stolen motorcycles are being driven (e.g. full-size motorbikes with no number plates) and there is a good chance of police making an arrest.  In all “Non-Emergency” situations, call Southwark Police’s 24-Hour Switchboard Tel : 020-7378-1212 instead. Please always ask for the "Police Crime Number" or "CAD (Computer Assisted Despatch) Number" (e.g. 8763/271105 for a report filed on 27-11-2005) specially allocated for each incident reported to the police to ensure its incorporation in the "Recorded Crime Statistics" to help attract the necessary attention and scarce policing resource for tackling the problems successfully.  Please always note the "date" and “time" when you telephone to report an incident for potential follow up purpose.  It will be helpful to have certain information at hand before dialing 999 to include :

-    Description of the Individuals (e.g. age, clothing, ethnic origin and gender)

-    Motorcycle-Specific Data :  Manufacturer,  Registration Number, Model and Colour  

[ e.g. Honda Motorbike (Registration Number LM 53 DXZ) (Model: XR125) (Red & Black) ]

-    Location & Direction (e.g. Waterman Walk is a Public Footpath that can be accessed via the entrance to Russia Dock Woodland opposite to a street called Onega Gate by turning left off Redriff Road when heading North East to join Salter Road.)

Current Policing Policy & Practice : 

1st Time Offenders when stopped by police will be given an Official Warning

More Frequent Offenders may have their Motorcycles Seized and Impounded.

Each Owner has to pay a Fixed Charge of £105 + £12 Daily Storage Cost to get back an Impounded Motorcycle.  This "Monetary Penalty" is probably an effective monetary deterrent in view that some owners never reclaimed their impounded motorcycles.  Additionally, the police can also impose fines of up to £1,000 and issue £80 Fixed Penalty Notices.

2)  When Someone is or suspected of Owning a Motorcycle that has been or intended to be Driven Illegally or Anti-Socially

Some individuals may not be aware that it is "illegal" to ride "Mini-Motos" or other "Off-Road / Un-Registered 2-Wheeled Vehicles" in "Public Places" and that it is forbidden by law to ride motorcycles of any kind in some Public Parks (e.g. Russia Dock Woodland) and on Public Footpaths (e.g. Waterman Walk). 

If it is deemed safe and practical to do so, please advise/warn them or urge them to seek advice from the police.  Otherwise, please promptly inform the Rotherhithe & Surrey Docks Ward Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team (Tel: 020-8649-3588) or Rotherhithe Community Wardens (Tel: 020-7394-6540) by giving the name(s) of the individual(s) concerned (e.g. A Young Motorcyclist and the Parents) and/or address(es) where these motorcycles are kept. 

3)  When Someone (Retail Shop, Car Boot Sale & Street Trader) is or suspected of Selling a Motorcycle that will be Driven Illegally or Anti-Socially

Reportedly, some irresponsible Retail Shops & Street Traders are selling these motorcycles illegally and misleading their customers to believe that it is OK to ride them in Public Places.  Please promptly report to Rotherhithe & Surrey Docks Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team (Tel: 020-8649-3588) or Rotherhithe Community Wardens (Tel: 020-7394-6540).