THE crime commissioner has welcomed new motorbikes to tackle crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones funded three off-road and three high performance motorbikes earlier this year.

They are being put to good use by Roads Policing Officers.

READ MORE: Police vow to hunt down motorcyclists who cause 'misery' with new scramblers

Off-road bikes are a new tactic for officers to follow those who run from police on motorbikes on roads, or by going off-road into areas cars can't follow.

The high-performance motorbikes can help combat speeding vehicles in hotspot areas, like the A272.

These bikes have been paid for through the Safer Roads Reserve, meaning they have been bought with the money from people who have previously been caught speeding and had to pay a fee and attend a driver awareness training course.

Last month, officers used the high-performance bikes to catch 16 riders committing offences on the A272, A32 and nearby areas.

They were caught speeding, crossing double white lines and driving without due care and attention, and sent notices of intended prosecution.

The bikes have also been used in Lordshill to tackle motorcycle nuisance and vehicle theft.

Stolen vehicles seized since the bikes have been brought in include a scrambler bike in Whiteley and a high-powered electric mountain bike worth £5,000 in Havant.

In total, the Commissioner provided funding of £80,000 to buy the six bikes, £15,000 of which came from the ASB taskforce to fund the three off-road bikes.

The Commissioner also released £65,000 from the Safer Roads Reserve to buy the three high-performance bikes, so officers can pursue vehicles at high speed.

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner said that tackling anti social behaviour is one of her key priorities.

She said: “The Roads Policing Unit have told me it’s difficult to apprehend teenagers who are creating anti social behaviour in our communities.

"They often disappear down alleyways in urban areas, or across fields in rural communities. It’s great to see these bikes are now helping police get on top of these issues."

The Commissioner added that high performance bikes help tackle speeding, which is a "real concern": "The police must have the right equipment to able to deal with those who put lives at risk.

“The bikes have been in use over the summer and from speaking with the Roads Policing Officers, they are having the right impact.

“Those who previously thought they could evade police or assumed they won’t be pursued just because they were on a motorbike, are now realising the police will catch up with them.”

Inspector Andy Tester from the Roads Policing Unit said that the bikes are a "game changer".

He said: “These bikes are a game changer for us, unlocking brand new ways for us to keep residents safe across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Just some of the uses include pursuing individuals who try to evade us on scrambler bikes in urban areas and policing the very small minority of the motorcycle community who drive dangerously.

“We are grateful to the PCC for listening to our concerns and responding by giving us the funding to deliver these new tactical options.

“The results so far have been extremely promising, with motorcycles being seized and several offending riders facing justice.”

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