AN OPERATION to tackle off-road motorcycles being ridden in an anti-social manner in Runcorn is ongoing.

Runcorn’s Operation Scrambler was launched in September after an increased number of youths and adults were riding motorcycles dangerously on parkland, footpaths, towpaths and public roads.

There have been patrols in hotspot areas and 18 motorcycles have been seized are now awaiting destruction.

Sergeant Steve Watson, from the Runcorn Beat Team, said: "We take the issue extremely seriously as it is dangerous, for both the rider and other members of the public, and the noise and disruption these nuisance bikes cause is a strong source of frustration for communities.

“Since we launched the dedicated operation we have seized a significant number of scrambler bikes, which will be destroyed in due course.

“Many of these bikes have been seized on the back of members of the public providing valuable information and I would like to thank those people for helping us to tackle the problem.

“I also want to encourage more people to come forward with as much information as they can give us about scrambler bikes and their riders."

This information includes where the bikes are being stored, descriptions of riders, potential names and photographs and videos if it is safe to do so.

Steve added: “When we have evidence of scrambler bikes being ridden in an anti-social manner we can look to have riders prosecuted and permanently seize bikes.

“We are also working closely with social housing landlords and will consider tenancy breaches if tenants are riding these bikes anti-socially or storing them for others to do so.”

In the run up to Christmas, Police are urging parents to be vigilant about the laws surrounding motorcycles before buying one as a gift.

You must be at least 16, hold the relevant licence, insurance and road tax, and the bike must be fitted with working equipment and registration plates.

Anyone with information regarding youths or adults riding scrambler bikes in an anti-social manner should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also give details online.