**Biker’s Wheelie in Front of Unmarked Police Car Leads to Bike Seizure in North Flintshire**
A motorcyclist in North Flintshire appears to have chosen the most inopportune moment to perform a wheelie—directly in full view of an unmarked police car. The incident, which took place on Thursday, 24 April in the Shotton area, resulted in the immediate confiscation of the rider’s motorcycle due to a previous warning already on record. Local law enforcement were swift to take action, citing concerns for public safety and persistent anti-social behaviour.
Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 allows officers to issue warnings and seize vehicles when they are used in a manner that causes alarm, distress, or annoyance. In this case, the rider had already received a section 59 warning for previous misbehaviour on the roads. This subsequent offence gave the police no choice but to seize the motorcycle as stipulated in the legislation.
North Flintshire’s policing team took to social media to describe the incident, making their stance clear with a tongue-in-cheek post: “I would probably say, the worst time to pull a wheelie is… in front of an unmarked police car, when you already have a section 59 warning.” This comment, shared on their official Facebook page, quickly attracted a flood of responses from the public, with many finding humour in the rider’s serious lapse in judgement.
Social media users embraced the opportunity for some light-hearted banter. One commenter quipped, “He’s been wheelie nawty,” prompting the police to reply, “that’s wheelie bad.” Another added, “Must have been tyred…” Jokes aside, the interaction between officers and locals underscores the community’s appreciation of robust action against anti-social driving.
While dealing with the initial offender, officers encountered yet another example of reckless behaviour. As they prepared to leave the scene, the police observed a male riding an off-road bike along the pavement in Shotton. The second bike was also seized under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act—a regulation that allows for the destruction of uninsured or illegally used vehicles. The police described their luck as “clearly on our side today,” signalling both surprise and relief at removing another hazard from the local streets so promptly.
The decisive response from North Flintshire’s policing team appears to have strong support from local residents. Several comments on social media praised the officers for their ongoing efforts, with one person writing, “Well done, keep it up, they are a menace in the area and the riders don’t care.” Another echoed the sentiment, expressing, “Keep up the fantastic work you do.”
The incident highlights persistent issues with dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour associated with bikes, which remain a source of frustration for communities across North Wales. Police have consistently urged riders to adhere to road safety laws and have reminded the public that unlawful stunts and illegal use of off-road bikes are taken especially seriously.
These recent seizures serve as a warning to others who might be tempted to engage in similar behaviour. Police have pledged to continue their clampdown on reckless and inconsiderate riders, promising regular patrols and robust enforcement in hotspots identified by concerned residents.
In the meantime, North Flintshire’s officers continue to use their social media platforms to share updates, offer advice, and maintain dialogue with the public. They encourage anyone who witnesses dangerous riding or anti-social behaviour to report incidents promptly, ensuring that roads and pavements remain as safe as possible for all.
For locals, this twin success story is a sign that persistent complaints are being heard and acted upon, with the clear message that there are consequences for riders who flout the rules—not least when they choose the worst possible audience for their stunts.