On Wednesday 11 March 2026, Cleveland Police used a drone to track a motorbike rider who refused to stop for officers in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. The technology allowed the force to follow the vehicle from above after it failed to pull over during a patrol.
The drone footage provided a clear view of the rider, helping officers on the ground to identify them without the need for a high-speed chase. Following the incident, the teenager was successfully identified and has been reported for summons.
This use of technology is part of a wider strategy by the Middlesbrough Proactive Team to tackle illegal and nuisance bike riding across the town. The force uses drones as eyes in the sky to help remove dangerous vehicles from local streets and catch suspects who try to avoid traditional patrol cars.
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