The Leeds City Council Capable Guardians Team and Safer Leeds, working in partnership with West Yorkshire Police have recently funded three ‘Stingers’ for the Leeds District Off-Road Bike Team and Leeds East and South Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Leeds City Council personnel presented the devices to the teams between 23rd – 25th January 2025, at Killingbeck Fire Station and at Leedswatch Middleton, and were funded to assist officers in their deployments to curb illegal and disruptive vehicle activities.

The Stingers are devices designed to safely stop vehicles by puncturing their tyres, ensuring that offenders can be apprehended without high-speed chases and will greatly assist in Police and Partner agencies efforts, to maintain peace and safety across Leeds District.

Vehicle nuisance, including illegal street racing and reckless driving, has been a growing concern for residents. These activities not only disrupt the peace but also pose significant risks to public safety.

 Through the proactive and collaborative partnership approach, the funded stingers will we aim to: 

Enhance Road Safety: Reduce the risk of accidents caused by anti-social and reckless driving.

Promote Community Well-being: Ensuring our neighbourhoods remain safe and peaceful.

Support Law Enforcement: Provide officers with the tools they need to effectively manage and deter vehicle-related offences and vehicular nuisance.

We encourage residents to report any vehicle nuisance activities and work with us to create a safer environment for everyone and communities can help us by providing us with the below information:

1. Name and address of riders if known, plus any information regarding their age, gender, personal appearance, and clothing descriptions

2. Vehicle storing locations and/or addresses

3. The type of vehicle 

4. Vehicle registration or any identification numbers if present and/or visible

5. The colour of the vehicle and any distinguishing patterns, features or visible damage

6. Where the vehicle was last seen and/or any direction of travel

Working together we can keep our communities and roads safer, identify those responsible and Police and Partners will take action against those identified as being involved in line with the Leeds City-wide Public Spaces Protection order Vehicular nuisance PSPO and in line with any offences committed.

You can report such information and nuisance by calling 101 or reporting via our online live chat system at Live Chat | West Yorkshire Police

For nuisance bikes, quads and off-roaders you can report using our online form at Report nuisance bikes / quad bikes / off roaders | West Yorkshire Police

Alternatively, you can report 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers

In an emergency, please always dial 999.