A LARGE police operation has led to 60 prosecutions involving anti-social and criminal motorcyclists since being introduced.

Operation Torque aims to reduce the amount of motorcycle nuisance and illegal riding in Southampton, and with the help and information from residents in the community, officers have been able to successfully prosecute 60 offenders.

The scheme was launched in 2016 for Southampton West, covering Millbrook, Shirley, Coxford, Freemantle, Redbridge, Lordshill and after its success, was since adopted by Southampton East.

As part of the operation, information from residents has been vital, with police regularly appealing for help identifying offenders with descriptions and images.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "Operation Torque has become successful in achieving a number of prosecutions through help from the community. We ask residents to help us identify those responsible by giving us names, descriptions of people, description of bikes, where the bikes are being stored, and photo and video evidence of behaviour.

"Residents in affected areas have always been a better position to be able to see who is involved and capture what is going on than we ever have. Our message has always been the same, we wouldn’t be able to reduce the issue without the help from communities. They are our eyes and ears out there, so please always get in contact and tell us what you know."

Officers have also installed dash cams in their neighbourhood police cars to capture evidence of those riding illegally and dangerously and they are also working with local bus companies, such as Bluestar and First Bus, to obtain CCTV from buses to help us identify offenders.

However, despite the sixty prosecutions since 2016, many offenders escape punishment after ride off from the scene when police arrive and "there are very few occasions" where officers have been able to "safely pursue" them.

Councillor Dave Shields, cabinet member for healthier and safer city, said: "Operation Torque has the full support from local councillors on the west of the City and I would like to thank Insp. Paul Southam and PC Simon Peacock for their commitment to this.

"Continued community support for the police in tackling motorcycle-related criminal activity and anti-social behaviour is vital if we are to build on this success."

Operation Torque is still ongoing and residents can email operation.torque@hampshire.pnn.police.uk to send information directly.