A POLICE operation to tackle the illegal use of motorbikes in rural areas has been carried out.

Officers were out in the villages of Sunniside, Marley Hill and the quarry in Byermoor, near Stanley, on Sunday.

Officers from Northumbria Police has seen an increase in reports from the public about motorbikes being ridden anti-socially and causing problems for local residents.

They identified and turned away 35 motorbikes and riders from using the sites, the majority of whom were children using bikes ranging from PW50s to 125cc quad bikes.

All of the individuals concerned were given warnings about anti-social riding and riding on private land and their details were taken by officers, meaning that if caught again they will face enforcement action.

Sergeant Paul Booth said: “The bikers are damaging private and public land, causing a noise disturbance to local people, day and night, and are putting people, especially children, who walk, live and spend time in these areas at risk of harm.

“It causes misery for people in the area.”

“It is not suitable or appropriate for off road motorbike use.

“This is just the start of lots of activity that we have planned at identified locations across Gateshead where illegal and anti-social motorbike riding is taking place.

“It should act as reassurance to local residents about how seriously we take the issue and also as a warning to offenders that we are taking action about it.

“Byermoor quarry and nearby land is private. It is not suitable or appropriate for off road motorbike use. It’s dangerous, damages the local area and causes a misery for people living in the area.

“The bikers are damaging private and public land, causing a noise disturbance to local people - day and night - and are putting people, especially children, who walk, live and spend time in these areas at risk of harm.

“We will continue to monitor the area and we will have officers carrying out high visibility patrols at key times. Anyone who is now on our radar and who is found back there will face action.”

Officers need the public’s help to stop off-road motorcycle ASB.

The public are asked to help by reporting illegal motorbikes being ridden straight away on the 101 number. By flagging the issue up while it’s happening means officers can respond immediately.

People are also asked to take down and pass onto police any descriptions of illegal motorcycles and their riders and we encourage riders to only use designated and approved sites within the local area.