A crackdown on off-road motorcycles has been launched by police in Carlisle.
Following people’s concerns about anti-social behaviour, officers have launched an operation to tackle the issue.
There have been a number of incidents of people riding regular off-road or electric off-road motorbikes, often in groups, and sometimes at speed.
They have caused annoyance to members of the public or put people, as well as themselves, at risk.
Reports have been received in various locations across Carlisle, including Bitts Park, Hammonds Pond, Melbourne Park and in the city centre.
People who pose a risk to others by their use of off-road or electric motorbikes face fines, prosecutions – and their vehicles seized, police said.
Officers have already seized a number of motorbikes suspected to have been used in an anti-social manner or driven illegally.
They are reminding people that off-road scrambler-type bikes, or electric off-road bikes, cannot be legally insured to drive on a public road or highway.
They can only be driven on a dedicated site or private land, with the landowner’s permission.
Sergeant Peter Aiston, of the Carlisle community policing team, said: “The local community team are working hard to identify those that are involved in riding motorbikes illegally in these incidents.
“They pose a risk not only to themselves but also to members of the public when they ride, often at high speeds, through public and pedestrian areas around Carlisle.”
Police are also stressing the dangers of riding motorbikes without the proper protective equipment, such as helmets.
By driving in public and pedestrian areas, the risk is increased by posing a danger to other people.
Those involved could face a fine of up to £100 and three points on their licence if dealt with at the roadside. The vehicle would also be seized.
The riders may be banned from driving altogether as offences such as dangerous driving will be considered, along with driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving with no insurance.
Sgt Aiston added: “I would encourage anyone to come forward and tell us if you are affected by this issue and to tell us if you know who is riding the motorbikes. We will take positive action on anyone caught riding motorbikes illegally.”
Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
