THE fight against the illegal and anti-social use of mini-motos and off-road bikes continues in Halton with the launch of Operation Scrambler.

The police have vowed to crack down on nuisance riders following complaints from the public.

Over the past six weeks, nine off road motorbikes and two vans used to transport the bikes have been seized in Widnes, nine people arrested and seven warning notices issued to riders.

In Runcorn, two off road motorbikes and a quad bike have been seized and one person arrested in the past week.

Numerous residents have also been given warnings for breaching tenancy agreements.

Messages on buses and mobile vans parked in hotspots urge people to help police tackle the problem.

Chief Inspector Debbie Hooper said: “Runcorn Local Policing Unit is working extremely hard to crack down on nuisance mini-motos and off-road motorbikes.

“The intelligence that we have received so far from local people has helped us to build up a bigger picture of what is happening and who is responsible.

“We understand the frustration that these mini-motos and off-road bikes cause within our community and we will be continuing our efforts to crack down on this anti-social behaviour.”

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

A warning is given first but if that fails to be effective and the vehicle is used in an anti-social manner again it will be seized.

Anyone riding a mini moto must be aged 16, hold a licence, MOT and insurance.

PC Vicki Abraham from Widnes Local Policing Unit added: “We will continue to act upon any information that is passed on by members of the public.

“We will use this information to support any seizures and prosecutions.

“You can rest assured that our efforts will continue and thank you to members of the public for actively supporting our operation.”