TEN off-road bikes have been seized this morning by police across the region as an summer campaign targeting the criminal and anti-social use of the vehicles.

Warrants were executed at 15 addresses in St Helens, Huyton and Wirral and searches of the properties are ongoing.

So far five people have been arrested and six off-road bikes have been seized.

Merseyside Police said the operation, which will run between now and September, got underway with a strike day across the force, responding to community information on the suspected storage of illegal motorbikes.

This is the fifth year of Operation Brookdale.

During last year's operation alone, more than 170 stolen vehicles were seized and more than 120 arrests were made for offences ranging from no insurance, or licence, through to drink / drug driving and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Throughout the operation, Neighbourhood officers in St Helens and Knowsley will be supported by officers from the specialist Roads Policing Unit, vehicle crime, the dog and mounted sections, and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) Helicopter.

We will also be working closely with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, local authorities, and housing agencies, who will in turn be using their own powers and legislation to stop offenders in their tracks.

Merseyside Police Superintendent Jenny Sims said: “We understand the frustration and worry that people feel when they see reckless behaviour of off-road bikes.

"They pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users, and the consequences of their illegal use can devastate families.

"Parents shouldn’t have to worry whether they and their children can enjoy our parks and open spaces, but with your help and information, we can stand together and make your areas safer.

"Operation Brookdale will be focussing on areas where communities are suffering from the illegal and anti-social use of scrambler bikes, off road vehicles and quad bikes.

"We know from previous years that the summer months brings more reported incidents, we want our communities to see that as a result we will be putting extra resources when and where issues are highlighted.

"This morning’s activity demonstrates our promise that when the community gives us information on where these vehicles are being stored, we will take action. People who store them on behalf of others may face losing their home. People who use them illegally will lose their vehicle and their licence.”

Activity throughout the summer will include:
• Increased patrols in areas, including parks and other public land
• Enforcement of traffic law on the highway to restrict the activities of illegal riders on our roads
• Use of NPAS helicopter to act as an eye in the sky and monitor the movements of these bikes
• Use locally gathered intelligence to execute warrants where storage locations are identified
• Visits to petrol stations by officers and PCSOs
• Partnership work with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Local Authorities (including City Watch CCTV) and housing authorities