A veteran councillor has urged Dundonians to report dangerous bikers who “race through housing estates”.
Strathmartine councillor Ian Borthwick has received reports from constituents of youths riding petrol-powered scramble bikes dangerously through the streets of St Mary’s and Kirkton.
Mr Borthwick fears as nights become lighter more pedestrians will be at risk of being struck by reckless riders.
In the wake of one female pedestrian reporting having to take evasive action to avoid being struck, Mr Borthwick has appealed for residents to report any instances of anti social behaviour involving scramble bikes.
He said: “There has been a number of complaints made to me over a period of time of scramble bikes that race through St Mary’s and Kirkton
“Most recently there was a constituent out for a walk and she was nearly knocked down by a bike with no lights.
“I reported this to the police and they confirmed they have had a number of complaints.
“If you have young children with you then there could be a very serious accident.
“Kids come home from school and play outside and these people come down at terrific speeds. There is a very real danger. The public have to be alerted.”
Police Scotland has previously launched Operation Challenge to help tackle the issue.
A police spokesperson said: “Operation Challenge has been running for a number of years and is a multi-agency response targeted at individuals who cause a nuisance and a danger within their communities through the anti-social and illegal use of motorbikes and similar vehicles.
“We have support from the Dundee Community Safety Partnership and working together, we undertake intelligence gathering, patrolling of hotspot areas and diversionary work through school inputs.
“We would ask the public to support the partnership in its work by contacting the police or Dundee City Council Community Safety Warden service with sightings and information concerning the anti-social or criminal use of motorbikes.
“Anyone caught committing these crimes will be charged and reported and their vehicles will be seized.
“We would urge anyone who has any information about incidents of anti-social behaviour or illegal or dangerous use of motorbikes to get in touch with us on 101.”
