POLICE are aiming to crack down on the menace of motorcyclists who disturb residents by riding their bikes on beauty spots.

They have released pictures of three people who are among those suspected of causing the disturbances. They were taken by local people, using a video camera, on fields behind Mierscourt Road, in Rainham and on the Coney Banks, in Chatham.

A spokesman for the police said: "The information has proved very helpful to us. Several reports have been followed up and warnings issued.

"The identification of the riders from these pictures is another way the public can help.

We are using a variety of measures to deal with this dangerous and anti-social behaviour."

Once identified culprits can then be charged under a variety of offences. These include damaging the habitat of slow worms and lizards, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1988; riding on common land, under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and assault, under the Offences Against the Person Act 1986.

Motorcycle nuisances fall into the categories of off-road and on-road.

The police regularly receive reports throughout the year but it is in the summer months, with the longer daylight hours and school holidays, when the problem really takes off.

Details which will help the police in their investigations include; names and addresses of riders, descriptions of the motorcycles and riders, registration numbers, the time of day they were spotted and how they gained access to the land. The number to call is 01634 884178.