POLICE across Merseyside have launched a six-week crackdown on the anti-social use of scrambler bikes.

Operation Brookdale will centre on areas where communities have suffered from the illegal and anti-social use of scrambler and quad bikes.

Police say in the last year it has become increasingly apparent that many of the riders of these bikes have “a complete disregard for decent, law-abiding members in their communities.”

And in the summer months there is a likelihood riders of these bikes may be tempted to use them more often, “causing further disruption and misery to our communities.”

Particular attention will be paid to roads and parkland identified by communities as hotspots for riders.

Neighbourhood officers will be supported by colleagues from the specialist Matrix team, roads policing department, vehicle crime and the mounted and dog sections.

Chief Superintendent John Martin, Wirral Area Commander, said: “Merseyside Police will not tolerate the illegal, or anti-social use of scrambler or quad bikes.

"Sometimes riders of these bikes don't understand the consequences for local communities and the harm the use of these bikes can cause.

"In the last year across the force, there have been a number of serious injuries and fatalities caused to the riders of these bikes following collisions.

“Tragically, in August last year, a 16-year-old boy died after he came off an off-road scrambler motorbike and collided with a lamp-post on Riverview Road, Bromborough.

"In the wrong hands these bikes are potentially lethal and people need to understand the legislation in relation to the legal use of these bikes, and the potential consequences of driving these bikes irresponsibly."

He continued: "Working together with local people and partner agencies, we are determined to tackle riders who are blighting our neighbourhoods.

"Our communities should be reassured that Merseyside Police is working hard to take nuisance vehicles and the criminals who use them off our roads.

"Anyone who takes to the roads illegally and poses a danger to pedestrians and other motorists on our roads, risks losing their licence and if their reckless driving results in injury or death they will face a prison sentence.

“My message to these people is: ask yourself - is it worth the risk?"

Councillor George Davies, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, housing and engagement, said: "The illegal use of scrambler and quad bikes has become more and more of an issue nationally, and it’s something Wirral residents have become all too aware of in recent years.

“Wirral Council is fully supportive of this initiative, which will hopefully result in a reduction in anti-social behaviour and less potentially very serious incidents.

"The police have the power to seize and even destroy these bikes if their owners are found to be causing a persistent nuisance. We have to send out the message that Wirral residents want something to be done about this.”

The crackdown will include:

• High visibility police patrols, including officers on scramblers and quad bikes, on roads, parkland and other public spaces

• Plain clothes patrols

• The use of locally-gathered intelligence to target places where illegal bikers are known to ride

• Enforcement of traffic law on the highway to restrict the activities of legal riders on roads

• Education in schools about dangers of these bikes and the laws surrounding their use

• Visits to petrol stations by officers and PCSOs. There are concerns young people using bikes illegally are able to get petrol. Officers will be asking petrol station staff to support police by not allowing anyone under 16 to buy fuel.