Knowsley Police have said the use of off road bikes is a "blight on our communities" and "cannot and will not be tolerated on our streets" following a spate of incidents.
In recent days, a number of incidents involving scrambler bikes have been reported in the borough of Knowsley - one resulting in the death a woman aged 26.
There is no suggestion that the incidents are linked, but Knowsley Police, Knowsley Council and local residents have all condemned the individual acts.
Knowsley Community Policing Chief Inspector Phil Mullally said: "Criminal and anti-social use of these off roads bikes is a blight on our communities across Merseyside.
"Such behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated on our streets and our response to recent incidents in Knowsley, including arrests and seizures, reflects how seriously we take this issue, and the daily work to reduce such incidents.
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"All of our communities are safer when one of these bikes is seized, and we will continue to take proactive measures against those who cause fear, distress and serious incidents."
Chief Inspector Mullally said Operation Brookdale is an ongoing Merseyside Police commitment to eradicate the harm that illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes cause to the communities in Merseyside.
He said they "will not stop until the problem is completely removed" and that the team work closely with their partners in the local authority, housing authorities and local schools and colleges to educate young people about the risks.
Chief Inspector Mullally said: "Although we can and do police the roads when incidents take place, our best chance of removing this threat is to know where bikes are being stored before they get out on the streets.
"If you know where bikes are being stored, either in homes, storage units or elsewhere, please come forward and we will act on all information provided."
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “We know that the illegal and anti-social use of scrambler and motorbikes is a blight on our communities.
"Sadly their use can have devastating consequences, as we have seen this week. Our hearts and condolences go out to the family of the young woman who has tragically lost her life.
"We do take this issue incredibly seriously. Our Crime and Communities Team is committed to working closely with Merseyside Police to address the concerns of our residents and communities."
Cllr Morgan said in 2019 the council funded a quad bike for Knowsley’s local policing team which has "proven crucial" in taking scrambler bikes and motorbikes that are being used illegally off our streets by supporting patrols across the borough.
He said: "Please don’t forget, our residents are also key to helping us tackle this issue. We urge residents to report any incidents they witness in their communities to the police.
"In an emergency call 999, or report online or call 101. By sharing information about this activity, it can be tackled and our communities will be safer."
Across the community, residents have also condemned riders behaviour and said that off road bikes "need to be scrapped."
Gaynor Eves said: "They are on the open roads and on the pavement doing wheelies at speed.
"Nothing but irresponsible scum who get away with acting dangerously with no care about anyone but themselves."
Shell Whittaker said: " They're noisy, ruthless, immature, danger hazards. They all need to be scrapped."
Recent incidents:
February 26
On Wednesday, the ECHO reported that a man in his 30s is in hospital with serious injuries after being shot with a handgun during a violent robbery.
The man, who was on a scrambler bike, was shot in the leg and arm on Friday, February 26 on Alder Lane near Knowsley Village.
He was approached by two men at around 4.35pm, who demanded that he handed over his red and white Honda scrambler. He was then shot in the arm and leg.
Police have since told the ECHO that a handgun was used in the incident. A spokesman for the force also confirmed that the victim was in a stable condition in hospital after suffering serious but non-life threatening injuries.
March 1
On March 1, Merseyside Police confirmed a woman was critically injured after she was hit by a scrambler bike on Court Hey Road, in Huyton, which left residents 'sickened.'
The 26-year-old was treated for serious injuries at the scene but died four days after she was hit on Friday, March 5.
Police said the scrambler bike rider remains in hospital, receiving treatment. The 29-year-old's condition has been described as serious, but stable.
While investigations into the incident continue, the woman's death is sadly not the first time a pedestrian has been severely injured or killed in a collision involving a scrambler bike.
March 3
Merseyside Police confirmed that a teenage boy was detained by officers after scrambler bikes were ridden in an "antisocial manner" around Edenhurst Avenue in Roby at 3pm on March 2.
The bikes left the area and officers from the Roads Policing Unit attended and were able to track the bikers with the support of the National Police Air Service helicopter.
The boy, aged 17, was detained by officers close to Churchway Road in Speke and a bike was also seized.
He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, possession of cannabis, driving otherwise in accordance with a driving licence, and drug driving. He was released under investigation as enquiries continue.
March 8
On March 8, at around 2pm, officers patrolling the Randles Road area of Knowsley Business Park saw a scrambler bike making off towards Gellings Road.
Pursuing the rider, officers came across a unit in the business park with a number of men nearby and found five males next to a shipping container containing scrambler bikes, two quad bikes and other electric bikes.
After being unable to provide proof of ownership of the vehicles, five males, aged 17, 19, 21, 20 and 23, from Kirkby, Ormskirk and Liverpool were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and handling stolen goods.
They have all since been released under investigation whilst the force stolen vehicle team examine each of the seized vehicles.
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. Anyone with information on scrambler bikes can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here.
