A CRACKDOWN on motorcyclists involved in illegal off-road biking took place at the weekend with a county wide operation aimed at tackling the problem.

Operation Freedown was organised in the wake of a growing number of complaints from residents about noise levels and damage to environmentally sensitive areas.

Complaints to Kent Police and local authorities have risen by 40 per cent during the past year with 500-700 reports on average every month.

Mid-Kent Downs, Maidstone, the Medway Towns and Dartford are among the areas where bikers are causing the most concern.

It is hoped the initiative will send out a clear message that riding anti-socially on common land, schools, sports fields or misusing public rights of way will not be tolerated.

Chief Supt Trevor Pankhurst said the initiative, backed by local authorities including Kent County Council, was part of a new get tough approach.

He said: "We are concerned about the safety of the public and also the nuisance that this anti-social behaviour brings to others who are also trying to enjoy the public space.

"We will use current legislation to seize motorcycles being ridden anti-socially. Seizures will also be made at home addresses if there is evidence the rider has been causing a nuisance."

Sunday's official day of action was launched by KCC's cabinet member for strategic planning Cllr Richard King (Con) and Kent Police Authority chairman John Palmer.

Both took turns to fly in a helicopter, borrowed from Suffolk police, to alert about 70 officers on the ground to problems across the county.

Over the weekend police issued 93 motorcyclists and quad-bikers across Kent with statutory warnings, including 41 during Sunday. A further five bikes were seized and four stolen motorcycles recovered following calls from members of the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Barker-McArdle said the public had had enough of people ruining their enjoyment of the Kent countryside.

He said: "A minority of people are sticking their two fingers up to Kent Police and the public. Operation Freedown is about the public and the police fighting back."

Cllr King, meanwhile, said officers at KCC had been asked to look at alternative sites where trial bikers could legitimately enjoy their hobby.