Officers from Hebburn and Jarrow have joined forces to tackle the anti-social riders, who are making the lives of residents a misery.

The issue is one of the main concerns often raised at community area forum meetings by those living within the towns.

And police chiefs hope the new team will stamp out the menace for good.
Already steps are in place to re-contact everyone who has called police with information on illegal bikers.

Officers are also looking at visiting schools in the area to highlight the dangers of riding anti-socially and without proper equipment.

Neighbourhood sergeant Ian Cutty, who will be leading the team alongside acting sergeant Paul Burrows, said: "The issue of illegal bikers riding across fields in Jarrow and Hebburn has been raised by residents and councillors on numerous occasions, and it is something we want to solve once and for all.

"It is an issue which is important to the community, and if it's important to the community, then it's important to us.

"We have no objections to the safe use of roadworthy, correctly ridden bikes – we are not anti-bikes – what we don't support is bikes being used in an anti-social manner causing a nuisance to people."

Well-known hotspots for illegal riders are set to be targeted by police and community wardens, and officers are warning action will be taken – which could including seizing the vehicles.

Offenders may also find themselves hauled before the courts.

Minimotos, scramblers and quad bikes can only be ridden on private land with the landowners permission.

There is nowhere in South Tyneside the bikes can be ridden legally.

Coun Joanne Bell, lead member for safer and str-onger communities, said: "Our residents are often telling us they are fed up with minimotos tearing round their estates, and we are determined to crack down on this scourge.

"Not only are these bikes a noise nuisance affecting the quality of life for our residents, but they are often driven at high speeds making them a threat to the safety of both the rider and pedestrians."

Anyone with information on where illegal riders are keeping their vehicles is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 65191, or the council's customer contact centre on 427 7000.