How It Started ➡️ How It Ended

How It Started ➡️ How It Ended

Good Afternoon

Over the last two days, officers from the Trafford Neighbourhood Team have taken positive action against individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activity in Sale.

On 3 November 2026, CCTV operators reported three males wearing balaclavas riding a motorcycle around Sale, appearing to pay particular attention to parked mopeds and motorcycles.

The following day, 4 November 2026, CCTV operators again identified what was believed to be the same group. The individuals were observed riding around Sale town centre, appearing to target motorcycles and mopeds, whilst also riding through pedestrian areas in a manner that posed a significant risk to members of the public.

In response to these concerns, Neighbourhood Team officers attended the area and located the motorcycle with all three suspects on board. Following a dynamic risk assessment, and taking into account the manner of riding observed over two consecutive days, officers took action to prevent further risk to the public.

As a result, one male was detained and the motorcycle was seized. Subsequent checks revealed the motorcycle had been reported stolen, leading to the arrest of the detained male on suspicion of theft-related offences.

Chief Superintendent Michael Allen said: 

"Let's talk sensibly. If you're riding around on a motorcycle wearing a balaclava, there is a very high likelihood that you are either involved in criminality or looking to commit criminality. More often than not, these individuals are uninsured and unlicensed.

The decent people of Trafford have no time for this behaviour. It causes alarm, makes communities feel unsafe, and places members of the public at unnecessary risk.

Trafford officers will continue to take robust action against those who engage in this type of offending, and it is pleasing to see this incident conclude with an arrest and a stolen motorcycle recovered."

We know the impact that nuisance and criminal use of motorcycles and e-bikes has on our communities. Your information continues to play a vital role in helping us identify offenders and take action.

If you see individuals riding motorcycles in a dangerous, anti-social, or suspicious manner, please report it to us. We will continue to take proactive action to protect our communities.

Thank you 

Inspector Matthew Harvey - Trafford Neighbourhood Team