As many of our residents know only too well, there are a number of off-road bikes being ridden illegally around the town. This is an issue that affects all parts of County Durham and is difficult to resolve as the tactics available to us have to avoid putting the safety of the public at risk.

Therefore we rely heavily on information from the public so that we can take action against those responsible. This is not a quick process and we have procedures we must follow. However, the team are keen to work with our community to reduce this dangerous nuisance.

We have our Operation Endurance (motorbike) team to support us, but they are a small team covering the whole of Co Durham and Cleveland. Hopefully the information we are providing below will assist residents and we encourage you all to help us and provide the information we need. We have already acted upon information provided over the past two weeks and have issued 3 warnings as a direct result.

The next step will be to seize these bikes. Please report these incidents by phoning 101 and if you have any pictures or footage then you can private message our Newton Aycliffe Police Facebook page.

Riding a motorbike in an antisocial manner can result in prosecution for the rider, or the parents who are held accountable for the actions of their children.

It is illegal to ride any motorbike in public open spaces such as parks, play areas and on pavements.

You can only ride an off road motorbike legally if it’s on private land, and you have the land owners permission. Land owned by the local council is not classed as private land.

Illegally used off road bikes can be seized and crushed.

A rider must:

• Be aged 17 or over (or 16 if the bike is a moped)

• Hold a valid driving license

• Have valid motor insurance

• Wear suitable safety equipment

Failure to comply is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Police Reform Act 2002.

Off road bikes are regarded as motor vehicles they must be constructed to a specific standard in order to be ridden on a public highway.

They must also have:

• DVLA registration (Log book)

• A valid MOT

• Road Tax

• Fitted with lights

• Fitted with registration plates

You can help by, Calling on 101and provide information anonymously, or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

Helpful information would include:

• The name and address of the owner of the off road bike

• Where the bike is stored

• When and where the bike is used (e.g days, times, and routes)

• Any other useful information such as description of those who use the bike, its make/model/ colour.