Wigan’s crackdown on off-road bikes is working, so now the whole of Greater Manchester is copying it

A major operation launched in Wigan to tackle anti-social off-road bikes has been so successful that it’s now being rolled out across the whole of Greater Manchester.

Since launching in May 2024, Operation Handbrake has led to 101 bikes being seized, several arrests and major reductions in complaints from residents. In some of the borough’s worst-hit areas, reports of nuisance off-road bikes have fallen by as much as 66%.

Five areas were identified as particular hotspots – Bickershaw Country Park, Aspull, Worsley Mesnes, Westleigh and Lowton – after repeated reports from residents about noise, damage to green spaces and safety concerns.

Targeted enforcement in these locations has delivered clear results. Between May and August 2025, reports in Westleigh dropped by 66%, while Bickershaw and Aspull saw a 40% reduction compared to the same period the previous year.

Police and partner agencies have used a range of tactics to tackle the problem, including unannounced visits, roads policing and motorcycle units, drone support and the police helicopter.

In some locations, kissing gates have also been installed to stop bikes accessing parks and green spaces.

Over the past year, the total value of bikes seized across Wigan Borough has topped £500,000, with around £58,000 saved due to fewer call-outs and reduced enforcement costs.

Sergeant Dan Canavan from Wigan’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said the operation was about protecting communities and keeping people safe.

“These off-road vehicles cause significant distress to our communities, from the excessive noise to the damage to our local parks and green spaces. Most concerning is the serious safety risk they pose to innocent members of the public,” he said.

“I want to be absolutely clear – going into 2026 we will be using every tool and tactic at our disposal to identify and prosecute offenders.”

Sgt Dan Canavan

The operation is delivered through the Community Safety Partnership, with Wigan Council supporting police by sharing intelligence and targeting problem areas alongside neighbourhood policing teams and council antisocial behaviour and environmental services officers.

Councillor Kevin Anderson said he was proud of the partnership work taking place and welcomed the decision to roll Operation Handbrake out across Greater Manchester, adding that the work would continue to ensure residents feel safe using public spaces.

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