Operation Yellowfin - Tackling dangerous riding & improving community safety

Operation Yellowfin, supported by Operations Yokohama and Mastery, continues its enforcement against reckless and antisocial vehicle use across the Town Centre and West Marsh in Grimsby. A sustained effort to improve public safety and ensure responsible riding.

On Friday, 6 June, officers engaged directly with riders of motorcycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters. Many riders remain unaware of essential regulations, with some failing to meet basic safety requirements such as displaying L plates, wearing protective gear, or ensuring their vehicles are correctly registered and insured. This lack of compliance creates significant risks—not just for the riders themselves, but for the wider community.

Neighbourhood Beat Officer Darian Hullett, Op Yellowfin Locality Lead, said: "We continue to see motorcycle riders unaware or sometimes ignoring critical safety regulations, including failing to display L plates, wearing inadequate protective clothing, or riding without the correct documentation. Additionally, some riders engage in dangerous behaviours - revving engines, excessive speeding, and riding without care for others on the road. These actions put both the riders and the public at risk. Compliance is not a choice; it's a necessity for everyone's safety. Riders must take responsibility for their own safety, and where necessary, officers will take action to ensure those who put themselves or others at risk are dealt with appropriately.

‘'We are also taking action against dangerous off-road riding, which is causing serious risks for pedestrians and those using local parks. Riders often don’t realise the impact of their behaviour, but riding in these spaces irresponsibly puts others in danger. Off-road riding is illegal under Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 unless riders have been given explicit consent from the landowner, and that consent must be available for officers to review in writing.

"During the operation, 11 bikes were stopped, with two seized due to no insurance, and one car was recovered under similar circumstances. Officers also issued five E-vehicle warning notices and four ASB warning notices. In addition, free locks were handed out, supporting riders in taking steps to protect their vehicles from theft. Alongside enforcement, officers engaged with multiple riders, offering safety and legality advice particularly regarding the correct display of L plates and the importance of using covers and locks to secure their vehicles.

"We also encourage riders to take proactive steps to secure their vehicles and reduce the risk of theft. Simple preventative measures - such as using quality locks or covers and being mindful of where vehicles are stored overnight can make a significant difference. By taking these precautions, riders can help protect their own property while also contributing to wider community safety.

"A significant number of young e-scooter riders simply don’t realize that riding in public spaces is illegal unless part of an approved trial scheme. We continue to see them being used on pavements and roads, putting pedestrians and themselves at risk. The same applies to e-bikes that have been illegally modified to exceed speed limits. Our approach is clear: we advise and inform, but where riders disregard the rules, officers will issue warnings and notices to ensure compliance.

"We’re here to support riders in understanding safe and responsible riding practices, while also ensuring public safety through enforcement where required. Some riders genuinely appreciate the advice, which is always a positive response. Others continue to ride irresponsibly, and it is our duty to act—whether that means issuing warnings or taking further enforcement measures. Compliance isn’t optional; ensuring road safety for both riders and the community is our priority.’’

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Claire Jacobs overseeing the operation said: "Tackling antisocial vehicle use and improving road safety is a key priority for the area. Operation Yellowfin isn’t just about enforcement it’s about fostering responsible behaviour and creating long-term solutions.

''Every stop, every conversation, and every intervention aim to make our communities safer. Whether it’s addressing e-scooters in public places or tackling unlicensed motorcycle riding, engagement combined with action aims to support positive changes in our communities. Operation Yellowfin will continue targeted patrols, working closely with communities and partner agencies to address concerns."

Watch the video here: 

Operation Yellowfin in Grimsby

To stay informed about ongoing policing efforts and the work of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams, follow @HumberBeat on Facebook and Instagram.

You can also sign up for My Community Alert at www.mycommunityalert.co.uk to receive updates about crime prevention initiatives, local policing activity, and community safety alerts. If you have concerns about antisocial vehicle use or any other issues in your area, reporting them helps us build a clearer picture and take the necessary action to keep our communities safe. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers.org.uk.