'Touch Ban' Injunctions Target Motorcycle Theft Gang in Leeds
Groups banned from touching any motor vehicles
WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE have released this video of a group stealing a motorcycle in Leeds city centre in less than 10 seconds. In response, the police have introduced a new 'touch ban' for the group of 5 men and 6 youths in an attempt to reduce the number of motorcycle thefts and related anti-social behaviour. The injunction bans them touching any motor vehicle in West Yorkshire without the owner’s permission.
Such a ban was required as the gang became so prolific that they had a "constant stream of stolen motorbikes, scooters and quads for youths to ride around on, no matter how many the police seized."
"The group were identified as being linked to an organised gang behind an upsurge in the theft of motorbikes across Leeds that fuelled motorbike-related anti-social behaviour centred on the Seacroft area throughout 2017." The group were stealing motorcycles to either sell for parts, or using them in further crime before giving them to youths to partake in anti-social behaviour.
Police say there has been an issue with anti-social behaviour in the area for years, but it had dramatically increased this summer. Public reports have stated the bikes were being ridden at high speeds of 90mph, on pavements and even through children's play areas.
Besides one of the men who was banned for 5 years, the remaining 4 men received "injunctions, which are valid for one year, forbid them from associating with each other in public; touching any motor vehicle in West Yorkshire without the owner’s permission; possessing or driving any vehicle in West Yorkshire unless they are the registered keeper or with their permission and with all relevant legal requirements including licence, insurance and MOT; driving any vehicle anti-socially; possessing bolt croppers or angle grinders or any controlled drugs; or disguising their faces with scarves, hoods or helmets other than when riding a vehicle legitimately."
Jordan Bodally
Jack O'Gorman
Adam Birkett
Macauley Nay
Joseph Thrush
Ryan Smith
