A new force-wide crackdown on motorcycle criminality in the region has seen 42 vehicles seized and 26 suspects reported.

The pilot taskforce, part of a new crackdown named Operation Capio, began in November 2023.

It aims to combat motorcycle-related crime in Northumbria, identify offenders, and seizing their vehicles.

Chief Inspector Neil Hall of Northumbria Police, said: "It’s brilliant to see the positive impact that Operation Capio is starting to have in the community.

“While these initial results are promising to see, please know that our work is far from over – and anti-social riders can expect to be arrested with motorbikes seized and crushed.”

“Please help us to help you by continuing to be our eyes and ears out in the community, and by telling us your concerns.

“If you see something suspicious, please report it to police at the earliest opportunity and share as much detail as possible to help us identify those involved.”

The operation was funded by a £196,000 grant from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund, applied for by the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness.

Along with policing tactics, drones are employed to build intelligence and secure justice.

Councillor Jim Foreman, lead member for Housing and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, said: "We know that motorcycle disorder is a real concern for our residents and it’s great to see Op Capio cracking down on this kind of activity and producing results."

Councillor Claire Rowntree, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council and cabinet member for Clean Green City, said they are committed to combat the issue, and have therefore allocated a council anti-social behaviour officer to the taskforce, jointly funded by the council’s five area committees.