Police in North Belfast have taken action to curb anti-social behaviour, conducting a safety operation from Friday, 24 October to Sunday, 26 October 2025.

The initiative, which responded directly to community concerns, focused on the illegal use of scrambler-type bikes in built-up areas.

Superintendent Allister Hagan, Belfast City Local Policing lead, confirmed that the operation involved building upon Neighbourhood Policing Team work through targeted patrols and the use of evidence-gathering teams.

The crackdown resulted in the seizure of five scrambler-type bikes—three in Ballygomartin and two in the Antrim Road area. The machines are believed to have been used in dangerous and reckless anti-social riding incidents. Superintendent Hagan issued a strong warning about the risks associated with the illegal use of these vehicles, emphasising that scramblers are "powerful machines that can cause serious injury or death." He stressed that their reckless use in built-up areas puts riders, pedestrians, and other road users at real risk.

He clarified the legal restrictions on off-road vehicles: "If you own or use a scrambler, you should be aware the majority are restricted to off-road use only. This does not mean that they can be driven anywhere 'off-road'. These vehicles should only be driven on private land where the landowner has given permission - not pavements, roads, public property or parks."

Police have appealed to those involved to consider the undeniable consequences should an innocent person be seriously injured or killed by the dangerous activity. They are urging anyone who witnesses a scrambler being driven illegally to report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Parents and guardians are also asked to warn young people of the dangers and the risk of acquiring a criminal record.