Community safety chiefs are taking action to curb the illegal use of off-road motorbikes and quad bikes.

Police officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit are patrolling known problem areas in Hartlepool as a part of Operation Endurance, which is aimed at tackling the issue.

Officers are putting up signs to warn perpetrators about police powers to immediately confiscate and dispose of any off-road bikes deemed to be causing a nuisance without having to issue a warning.

Nicholas Stone, neighbourhood safety team leader with the Hartlepool Community Safety Team, said: “These bikes which often have no road tax or insurance, pose a major threat to public safety.”

Sergeant Steve Rodgers, also from Hartlepool Community Safety Team, added: “Let this be a warning that we will seize bikes being used illegally and it could result in a criminal conviction.”