POLICE have made further seizures of illegal off-road bikes as part of an annual crackdown in collaboration with St Helens Council.

As the Star reported last week the SpringWatch campaign sees the local authority, police and other partners team up to target issues which can often increase after the clocks go forward to British Summer Time.

One prominent annual problem is off-road vehicle nuisance - and a further seven seizures and actions have been executed in areas cross the borough.

Following reports in Thatto Heath of a number of people taking it in turns riding a bike up and down Scholes Lane, a Jianshe motorbike was seized and a 17-year-old male was summonsed for no licence and no insurance offences.

Meanwhile in Clock Face, two bikes were recovered after one was found hidden in the Four Acre estate, with the other found abandoned outside a property in Churchfields.

Elsewhere, Section 59 warnings in relation to anti-social use of motor vehicles were issued to the driver and passenger of a bike halted in Maypole Woods which was being ridden without a licence or insurance – and to two drivers who had previously been warned in Cheshire for a similar offence, who were caught riding 450cc scrambler bikes in Bold Moss.

Meanwhile, a scrambler bike was found abandoned on wasteland bordering Morris Street and Watery Lane in Sutton as a result of police spooking the driver after witnessing while on pedal cycle patrol.

St Helens Council’s anti-social behaviour manager for safer communities, Colette McIntyre, said: “We hope that these latest seizures act as a warning to those thinking of riding off-road bikes that we take this offence very seriously and we will be on to you.

“Not only is riding an off-road bike illegal, it is also extremely dangerous, with those responsible not only putting themselves at risk, but also members of the public – including families, dog walkers and young children.

“If you see off-road vehicles out causing a nuisance in the community, please report it to the Police on 101. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated."

Neighbourhood Inspector Elaine Collins added: “These recoveries are further proof of the success against the anti-social and dangerous use of scrambler bikes in St Helens."

To report an off-road bike, call 101 number, or dial 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, anonymously call Crimestoppers any time on 0800 555 111.

More information about the SpringWatch campaign is on: www.safersthelens.org.uk.