TROUBLEMAKING moped riders are posing a danger to the public as they continue to torment police officers, the Colchester’s district commander has said.
Officers have told the Gazette how the group is driving illegally in front of police cars in a bid to taunt them.
The louts have also been seen running red lights and narrowly avoiding collisions while performing the dangerous behaviour.
A spate of incidents has now prompted a warning from Chief Insp Colin Cox, the district commander for Colchester.
He said: “We are aware of a series of incidents in Colchester involving the antisocial driving of mopeds in the city.
“The manner in which these mopeds are being driven is dangerous to the moped riders and other road users.
“Our Community Policing Team and Roads Policing Unit are aware of the issue and will be taking action against anyone seen to be driving a moped dangerously.
“We ask any member of the public, who may witness this or have any further information to get in contact.”
Old Heath and the Hythe councillor Mike Lilley said the riders have become a “menace on the streets of Colchester”.
He continued: “This practice by these riders is absolute madness. They need to be caught and stopped before someone gets really hurt.
“They are trying to deliberately cause stress and accidents. Targeting police vehicles too is just outrageous.
“These people are not only a risk to themselves but to our hardworking police officers too.
“We need to stop this menace on the streets of Colchester as we just don’t need it, it is a seriously dangerous practice.”
Mr Lilley appealed to residents to share information with the police, adding: “They must house these bikes in residential areas so somebody must see them.
“I’m asking residents to contact the police if they have any information about these riders.”
Eyewitnesses to any incidents involving the mopeds or those who have captured them on dashcam footage are encourage to contact the police.
Footage can be submitted through Extra Eyes on the Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.
Anonymous reports can also be made via independent charity Crimestoppers.
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