Search for Shakedown bikers who 'flouted safety'

A police force has said it recorded about 50 motoring offences during a major motorcycle event.

After a three-year break, the Southend Shakedown - which attracts hundreds of bikers - returned to the city in April.

Essex Police and the city's council have praised most riders who went to the Easter Monday rally, but the force has appealed for help to trace those spotted acting dangerously.

"If these riders act this way when they attend a popular public event, I have grave concerns as to how they behave on the road on a day-to-day basis," said Adam Pipe, head of roads policing.

He added: "The overwhelming majority of bikers who took part in the Southend Shakedown did so responsibly – but we cannot ignore those who flouted road safety.

"In 2025 alone, we've seen the tragic loss of more than 20 lives [on the roads].

"That number is heartbreaking, and we're determined to do all we can to stop more lives being lost."

At the Shakedown, officers spotted 23 illegal, obscured or missing number plates and dealt with one "fail to stop" incident.

The force said there were two careless riding incidents, and five riders without insurance.

There were four seizures under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, as well as one seizure for antisocial driving.

Police also dealt with untaxed vehicles, dangerous tyres, invalid MOTs, two minor collisions and criminal damage.

After reviewing footage, officers identified 16 additional incidents of dangerous driving.

Essex Police said it was hoping to track down those involved and urged anyone with information to contact them.

Daniel Cowan, the Labour leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "We want Shakedown to have a positive future in Southend, and that means keeping everyone safe and setting the right example for the years ahead."

He added: "The return of Shakedown was a huge success.

"Thousands of people came to Southend, families enjoyed the day, and seafront traders reported a welcome boost in business."

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