A teenager has been arrested after police recovered an £8,000 stolen quad bike.

It was part of a five-day operation carried out by officers to tackle the anti-social use of off-road bikes in Gravesend.

Running from last Wednesday until Sunday, July 30, it covered various areas in the town – including Riverview, Kings Farm, Northfleet, Singlewell and Meopham.

The operation was led by officers from North Kent’s Community Safety Unit, as well as police from several other teams.

In total, six vehicles were seized, nine riders were issued with traffic offence reports and three Section 59 orders were given out to those who used vehicles that caused alarm, distress or annoyance.

A stolen quad bike, which was valued at around £8,000, was also recovered after it had been reported stolen from a farm in Cobham.

It was found in Darenth and a teenager was arrested in connection with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

He has since been released under investigation while further inquiries are made.

A bike reported stolen from Medway was also found in Wallis Park, Northfleet, and was returned to its owner.

Police are still trying to identify the offenders.

Inspector James Beautridge said: “This proactive operation was carried out in response to concerns raised by residents about riders who persist in using off-road motorbikes and quad bikes in public areas and on footpaths.

“It is strictly forbidden to use these types of vehicles on public land such as bridleways, footpaths, public parks and open spaces.

‘We will continue to target those who repeatedly commit anti-social behaviour and we will not tolerate this behaviour in our community.’

“We understand the impact this type of anti-social behaviour has on residents and want our community to know we take this type of criminality seriously.

“This is why we carry out proactive operations such as this. We will continue to target those who repeatedly commit anti-social behaviour and we will not tolerate this behaviour in our community.

“There will be robust repercussions and further action will be taken if appropriate.”

Kent Police is focusing on tackling violent crime as part of the force's ongoing safer summer initiative.

Anybody who wishes to report incidents should do so online via their website.