The anger and upset of people in Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable at the antics of gangs of youngsters stealing and intimidating on bikes and motorbikes was raised in the House of Commons this morning. Tragically a 14-year-old boy, lost his life in a motorcycle collision at 1:30am in the morning on 1st June.
The Exchange and the Commons was as follows
People in Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable are absolutely fed up with groups of mainly youngsters who are riding on motorbikes or bicycles and stealing and intimidating, often late at night. On 1 June, a 14-year-old boy lost his life at 1.30 am riding a motorcycle. Children are now asking their parents why the police allow it to happen. What can we do to give the police more effective powers to prevent and deter these young people, and apprehend them while they are riding and cycling around?
I am sorry to hear about that situation, which will have a chilling effect on my hon. Friend’s community. I can very much see why that would be such an intimidating thing for many of his local residents. He will know that, in addition to the resources that we are giving the police, and the Prime Minister’s recent push on antisocial behaviour in particular, we are investing £560 million to ensure that every young person has access to regular clubs and activities as well as opportunities to take part in volunteer schemes and other things. Those constructive activities are part of the solution. However, I am sorry to hear about the difficulties that he is having. I shall ensure that the Home Secretary knows about his campaign and ask her to assist him.
Speaking afterwards, Andrew Selous MP said “I’ve had extensive conversations with Bedfordshire Police and expect a robust response to what has been happening. Bedfordshire Police have undertaken successful Operation Meteor initiatives in the past to get on top of this issue and need to do the same again. I also want to help the police with clearer guidance about what they are allowed to do when in pursuit of people riding illegally. While we do not want the police to cause death or injury we have also seen the tragic cost of this behaviour locally. We need to demonstrate very clearly that there are severe consequences for illegal behaviour so that we can maintain peaceable communities.”