Schoolboy charged and teens traced after illegal off-road bike use and fire-raising in Edinburgh

A teenager has been charged and three others traced amid a police crackdown on the illegal use of off-road bikes and fire-raising.

On Wednesday, Police Scotland conducted a day of action on the illegal usage of off-road and electric bikes in Sighthill and Niddrie Mains in Edinburgh.

Uniformed and officers in plain clothes, road policing officers and specialist support officers were involved in the operation.

A 14-year-old male rider, who had his off-road motorbike seized was arrested and charged with road traffic offences.

Another motorcycle, suspected to be stolen, was also recovered in Calder Drive.

An electric bike was seized in Niddrie Mains Road and further enquiries are to be carried out.

Three teenagers, all aged 15, were also traced in relation to a fire-raising and vandalism in a playing field at a high school in the area. Enquiries are said to be ongoing into the incident.

A car stolen in Kirkcaldy in September 2024 was also recovered in the Park Terrace area of Musselburgh.

Detective Sergeant Will Dickson, of Police Scotland’s community investigation unit, said: “We regularly receive complaints from our local communities about anti-social behaviour and the illegal use of vehicles.

“We will continue to use all tools available to us to enforce road traffic laws, keep the public safe and deter those intent on causing damage or annoyance through the use of bikes.

“I would ask anyone who uses an off-road motorbike to use it safely and within the law.”

Anyone with information regarding similar incidents has been asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers may be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.