FOUR vehicles were seized at the weekend as part of the on-going crackdown on nuisance motorcyclists by police in north Kent.

On the last two Sundays, February 17 and 24, officers from north Kent’s neighbourhood policing teams, together with officers from Kent Police’s motorcycle unit, mounted a high visibility operation to enforce the law and offer advice to riders.

Police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs), responding to feedback from their local communities, visited a number of sites as part of a targeted clampdown on anti-social behaviour across the area.

More then 30 riders were stopped and spoken to during the operation and the following vehicles were seized:

* Two underage motorbike riders, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, were stopped on Pilgrims Way near Luddesdown for having no licences and no insurance and their motorcycles seized.

* A 4x4 Suzuki jeep was stopped for off-roading close to Holly Hill, Luddesdown. The driver had no insurance and as a result, the vehicle was seized.

* A yellow quad bike was stopped on the Byway near Luddesdown. The rider had no licence or insurance so the vehicle was seized.

As well as the seizures, over the last two weekend officers have issued formal warnings to 27 riders. If these riders or vehicles are stopped again within the next 12 months for similar offences then any vehicle they are riding can be seized.

Officers also offered advise to owners about safe and appropriate places to ride their vehicles.

PS Nigel Nevard, who led the two-day operation, said: “We take the problem of nuisance motorcyclists very seriously, as we know that this type of anti-social behaviour can seriously affect the quality of life of North Kent residents.

“This operation was targeted in response to feedback from local residents and communities and was one of the key priorities we identified from the PACT (Partners and Community Together) meetings for the Shorne, Cobham and Luddesdown neighbourhood areas.

“Over the last two weekends we have spoken to a number of riders coming into North Kent to take part in this activity and are sending them a clear message that we will not tolerate their behaviour and we will seize their bikes when we catch them.”