Stolen moped seized after reports of dangerous riding in Northamptonshire village

Northamptonshire Police said the moped had been causing a nuisance for residents in Hartwell and had been reported to officers following several incidents around the village.

The force said the rider failed to stop for its Roads Policing Team before both the rider and pillion passenger left the bike and ran off.

The moped has since been seized.

In a statement, Northamptonshire Police said: “This stolen moped was causing a nuisance for residents in Hartwell and had been reported to us following several near misses and incidents of dangerous riding around the village.

“After failing to stop for our Roads Policing Team, the rider and his pillion passenger decided to decamp, and the bike was seized.

“The pair may have thought they got away, but they have been identified and can expect a knock at the door.”

Police are urging residents to report concerns about mopeds or other vehicles being used anti-socially in their communities.

Vehicle nuisance can include dangerous riding, street racing, street cruising, off-road use, stunts and the use of unlicensed powered vehicles in public places.

Northamptonshire Police says this type of behaviour can cause more than noise nuisance, with reckless riding risking injury to riders, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Residents are advised not to take the law into their own hands, but to report concerns to police.

Anyone with concerns about vehicle nuisance, including bikes, mopeds or other vehicles, can report it through the Northamptonshire Police website.