Menace of the minibikes

People living on the boundary of Rustington and Angmering have suffered weeks of broken nights, disturbed by the sound of high-revving engines and screeching tyres coming from the car park serving Halfords, Focus and other stores.

New Arun police commander, Chief Insp Brian Bracher, warned this week that the young riders risked having their bikes confiscated if police considered they were being driven in an anti-social way.

He was speaking after the first mini-motorbike (pictured) was seized by police in this area, at East Preston. A number of other owners have been warned that if they are caught again, their machines will be impounded.

Owners are charged a 129 release fee for the return of their mini-motorbikes, and 15 a day after that, for storage in a compound.

The residents' association for the nearby Ham Manor estate has taken up members' complaints with both the police and Arun District Council, but the problem also affects people living to the south of the retail park and Sainsbury's.

One resident, who asked not to be named, told the Gazette: "The noise is just incredible. It ruins every evening. They rev their engines up as high as they can, followed by a loud screech from the wheelspin.

"They start up as soon as the retail units close at 8pm, and on Sundays, it's even earlier, at 4pm. For the last few weeks it's been every single night '” and a couple of nights ago it went on until 12.45am. Sometimes, it is as late as 2am.

"As well as the mini-motorbikes, there are other youths riding scooters, and adults with radio-controlled model cars, which cause a constant droning noise.

"The owners of the retail park have put a gate up to try to deter the riders, but it's easy enough for them to get round it. The other day, they were even riding around the car park while the stores were still open, and I saw one very near miss when a boy pulled out of the car park onto the roundabout leading to Sainsbury's and was almost hit by a car. He didn't even look."

A police spokeswoman said: "These mini-motorbikes are designed to be ridden off road and are potentially dangerous when ridden on a road without any protective clothing. Bikes ridden on a public road must be registered with the DVLA, taxed and fitted with a number plate, lights and brakes. The rider must also hold a valid driving licence, be insured and wear a motorcycle helmet.

"Parents and guardians need to address where their children are going to ride these mini-motorbikes lawfully before they buy them. These bikes are classed as vehicles and therefore the riders need licences, insurance and must wear protective helmets if they are to ride them on a public road.

"If they ride them dangerously or in an anti-social manner, they shouldn't be surprised if the bikes are taken away by a tow truck. We will deal robustly with these riders, seizing their bikes and seeking Anti Social Behaviour Orders against them if necessary."