Police and council officials have increased patrols in the Concord and Sulgrave areas of Washington, Tyne and Wear, to tackle a disruptive quad bike reported to be causing problems for residents. Northumbria Police, supported by the Safer Sunderland Partnership, have launched targeted activity after sightings of the vehicle on residential streets and in public parks. The surge in monitoring followed a cluster of incidents reported between January 10 and January 24, 2026, that residents said caused noise and safety concerns near the Concord shopping area.
Under a citywide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) enforced by Sunderland City Council, officers can issue £100 fixed penalty notices for breaches of the order. Vehicles can also be seized by police or council officers and, where appropriate — for example if they are not reclaimed or are being disposed of following legal processes — may be crushed or otherwise disposed of. The action in Washington forms part of measures tied to the Safer Sunderland Partnership’s 2025–2029 Community Safety Plan, which local reporting says includes using ‘every tactic available’ to reduce the illegal use of off-road bikes.
Local leaders are asking residents to help by reporting where the bike is being stored or by providing descriptions of the rider to Northumbria Police. Authorities say extra high-visibility patrols and drone surveillance are being used to stop the disruption and prevent damage to green spaces. By working together, the council and the police aim to keep parks and streets safe for everyone to use.
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