From street patrol to high-speed pursuit as GMP deploys new motorbike unit to tackle rogue riders

Friday, 13 June 2025 08:28

By David Murphy

Greater Manchester Police have officially launched a dedicated Motorbike Unit aimed at clamping down on illegal and anti-social vehicle use across all ten boroughs, including Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have rolled out a new specialist Motorbike Unit to crack down on nuisance riders, off-road bikers, and dangerous drivers, with more than 129 arrests already made ahead of its formal launch.

The initiative, created in 2024 and now fully operational, is based out of Eccles Police Station in Salford and includes two dedicated teams led by two sergeants and an inspector. The unit will provide rapid response capabilities, particularly in areas where conventional patrol cars cannot access due to terrain or congestion.

Officers have already seized 410 illegal vehicles and dedicated over 400 hours in the past month alone to incidents involving off-road bikes, e-bikes and quadbikes. Their support has extended to 17 force-wide operations, including major football matches and concerts.

Inspector Bradley Ormesher of the GMP Special Operations Branch said: “The Motorbike Unit is another example of our unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe. These officers are highly trained and able to respond quickly, especially in places that standard vehicles cannot reach.”

The unit, part of GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch, will work closely with other policing teams including the Roads Policing Unit and Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit. Their combined efforts are designed to boost road safety, reduce traffic-related crime, and improve the force’s response to anti-social behaviour involving illegal motorbikes and vehicles.

The team operates a variety of marked and unmarked motorbikes, including the BMW RT1250, BMW GS800 and Yamaha Tenere 700, all fitted with emergency response equipment such as sirens, radios, lights, and stingers.

Inspector Ormesher added a warning to those engaging in unlawful vehicle use: “We are making our impact felt. This is a warning to those who think they can evade us on two or four wheels, we will pursue you, catch you, and bring you to justice.”

More information on GMP’s anti-social behaviour operations involving vehicles is available via the force’s website.

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