Teenagers cause trouble on dirt bikes at park

Resident Shelly Sell said she encountered youths on dirt bikes “tearing up and down” the park on Friday, May 6. 

She said: “They had no helmets on, no license plates on the bikes and they were literally doing 20-30mph down the footpath near the Pavillion Café. 

“One of them nodded smugly, as if to say, ‘you’re not stopping me’. 

“It's unacceptable and has been a nightmare and it’s a regular occurrence."

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Nigel Hedges, councillor for Wallisdown and Winton West, said: “If you’re going to do it at Slades Farm, you’re going to get seen and you’re going to get caught. 

“Slades is so busy and successful now that there isn’t the free space anymore for hooning bikers. 

“This has been going on for at least three generations of young people. No helmets, no number plates.” 

The incident happened at Slades Farm, Ensbury Park

Cllr Hedges added: "Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick and the neighbourhood policing teams have been coordinating with ward councillors and having zoom meetings. Things are much better. 

“Instead of calling 101, I’d advise emailing them, and then it’s always there. Then when we talk about the issue there is a record of it we can talk about. One thing local councillors are doing is encouraging people to speak to us, copy us in when emailing 101.” 

Read more: Youths reported for driving off-road bikes illegally in Ringwood

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 4.41pm on Friday 6 May 2022 relating to three mini motorbikes causing a nuisance in the area of Ensbury Avenue in Bournemouth. 

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the area but the bikes were not located. 

“Local officers are aware of ongoing issues in this area and are carrying out increased patrols to provide a visible policing presence. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns. 

“We would also urge people to report incidents when they occur, providing as much detail as possible in relation to the description of the bikes and those riding them.  Contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”