POLICE are warning parents against buying their children 'potentially illegal' gifts for Christmas.

Officers in Stockton are reminding parents that quad bikes and off-road motorbikes are on Santa’s naughty list and may be seized if given as Christmas presents.

It is illegal to drive mini-moto quads and larger off-road motorbikes off road and on public land and rights of way.

Misuse of the vehicles on roads and pathways is an issue Stockton Neighbourhood Policing Team said they have been tackling as part of the ongoing Operation Endurance against off-road bikes.

Sgt Gary Cookland said: “We’d urge parents not to contribute to the nuisance caused by these bikes by not buying them as gifts.

“Unless you have access to a private piece of land and permission from the landowner these vehicles cannot be used legally.

“We will seize bikes being used illegally and it could result in a criminal conviction. That is a Christmas present nobody wants.

‘’Since June this year we have taken 50 motorbikes off the road across the district, and this crackdown will continue.’’ Tackling Stockton’s nuisance motorbikes is a priority for neighbourhood teams and will continue throughout the winter.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.