MOTORCYCLES seized from law-breaking tearaways are to be scrapped, as part of a new get tough campaign.

Five bikes confiscated by police on Teesside this week are to be destroyed.

The riders had received two written warnings each for irresponsible and anti-social riding.

Officers operating across North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, seized one bike on Monday, a further three on Tuesday and a fourth on Thursday.

The machines will be dismantled by a garage in the Redcar area and parts used for spares.

In the same operation, six other riders received written warnings, telling them to stop using their machines in an anti-social way - or they, too, would lose their bikes.

Police Inspector Bev Gill said: "We will continue to take positive action against anyone riding motorbikes in an anti-social and illegal manner. This behaviour is inconsiderate and is causing misery to the residents in the area. It will not be tolerated.

The police will continue to seize and destroy as many bikes as possible from anyone who continues to behave in this way."

The clampdown is part of a multi-agency Operation Clean Sweep, which is now in the third of a four-week drive across Middlesbrough, coordinated by the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership.

It focuses resources on hot spots identified through computer mapping, using various reports and tips.

Rachel Beard, from the partnership, said: "This is another success of Operation Clean Sweep and demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when residents pass on information regarding the problems they are having locally to the relevant services."

More police will go on street patrols in the area, with support from the North Ormesby Neighbourhood Policing team.

Operation Clean Sweep has a carrot as a well as a stick, with youngsters offered a number of activities, including sports, cycle maintenance and the Youth Inclusion Bus.

Street wardens have been organising remote-control car races and football competitions for children.

Middlesbrough Council's Area Care Team has promised to sweep every street and the Probation Service and Youth Offending reparation team are working on a number of projects throughout the week.