Nuisance off-road bikers terrorising communities have been described as “untouchable” due to their ability to evade the law. 

Electric motorbikes have become increasingly popular throughout County Durham, particularly in rural areas, and have been blamed for anti-social and dangerous riding. 

David Boyes, a county councillor for Easington, says he often sees young men wearing ski masks tearing through the community at dangerous speeds, frequently flying past at 60mph on 30mph residential roads. 

Many residents see them as a scourge upon their local neighbourhoods, yet they are repeatedly able to avoid police. 

“They think they’re untouchable and the community does now too because the police cannot chase after them,” said Cllr Boyes. 

Gerald Lee, a Darlington councillor, told a Police and Crime Panel: “The problem is they appear and disappear so quickly. My main concern is the public’s lack of confidence in the police.”

Meanwhile, councillor Ken Robson, of Aycliffe West ward, urged the police to act on neighbourhood disorder caused by bikers and others.

“We cannot allow hooligans to take over estates,” he said. 

The very nature of the bikes and how they are being used is an ongoing challenge for the police to tackle. Durham Constabulary has officers on similar bikes to respond to incidents and is also using drones to identify suspects. 

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Graham Hall, told the meeting: “Through my work in Darlington, we previously identified 20-30 actions we could take to address off-road motorcycles, ranging from education to targeted prevention. There are a lot of actions we can take.”

Many riders reported to the police often have no helmet on, and are travelling at high speed, easily able to escape down paths if pursued. 

Such incidents contribute to the public’s lack of confidence in the bikers being caught. 

“I come across a lot of people who are living in fear and it’s a problem,” said Lucy Hovvels. 

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The Labour councillor has worked with local authorities in the Trimdon and Thornley area to prevent off-road bikers from damaging public spaces but is finding it difficult. Signage aimed at deterring bikers is often ripped down or ignored. 

She added: “We have had metal barriers installed at Wheatley Hill because it’s a hotspot area. We have done it in other places, and we can continue to do it, but it doesn’t seem like we’re containing the issue. 

“The damage being done really annoys people, and the huge costs come back onto the council. I see it on a daily basis and we don’t seem to be solving it.”