POLICE are putting the brakes on the illegal and anti-social use of mini-motorbikes that have been causing misery across the town.

Officers are conducting a special operation targeting known hotspots during the Easter holiday, a time of year that is notorious for youths using the small bikes.

Chief Inspector Martin Cleworth, of the northern area, said: “We want to get the message across that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour in the town and will take positive action where necessary.

“We recognise that this issue is a real concern to the community and we will be using all the powers we can to deal with those who use these bikes in an illegal or anti-social manner.”

On the first day of the operation last Monday, officers seized three mini-motos – two from Woolston and one from Dallam.

A rider in Orford also received a warning notice that his bike would be impounded if used in an anti-social manner again.

The three seized bikes will now be crushed.

Mini-moto riders must be at least 16, hold the relevant licence and MOT and have insurance.

Police can seize bikes and cars used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress even if the motorist has tax and insurance.

Officers alongside two specially trained off-road motorcyclists will continue their high-visibility patrols in hot spot areas and CSOs will be gathering intelligence from the community.

Chf Insp Cleworth added: ”We take this issue extremely seriously and we want to reassure residents we are doing all we can to tackle the problem – the more bikes that are being driven illegally that we can take off the streets the better.”

Police have said they will carry out another crackdown operation during the summer holiday.

Anyone with any information about the illegal or anti-social use of mini-motos can call police on 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.