POLICE have vowed to clampdown on illegal off-road bikers after concerned residents reported the problem getting worse.

People living near the Old Pit at Leasingthorne, near Coundon, Bishop Auckland, told officers at a Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting earlier this year that something needed to be done to put a stop to the problem.

Bikers are said to be using land without permission and there are also concerns about how they are travelling to and from the site.

Since the issue has been made a priority, officers have issued more than 12 warning notices, one bike has been seized and a stolen bike has been recovered.

In addition, owners transporting bikes have received warning letters.

PC Lee Nicholson, of Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Police Team, said they are taking it very seriously and stepping up the number of patrols in the area.

“This happens every year,” he said. “From about February, depending on the weather, we start getting reports of the problem.

“I think a lot of people don’t realise that without the permission of the landowner it is illegal. However, it is not just it is about the safety of the riders and the people living nearby and how riders get to and from the area.”

Warning notices will be handed out in the first instance but then vehicles will be seized.

PC Nicholson said: “It is not just about enforcement. It is about trying to educate people. We will be advising riders on where they can go to ride safely.

“The main complaint we get is about noise. The residents don’t want people riding around here as it is unsuitable and illegal. No-one has been hurt yet.”

Further information on where approved sites exist is available at acu.org.uk or at totalmx.co.uk Anyone with any information on off-road bikers is asked to call Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Police Team on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.