A HOUSING company is offering a cash reward to help police stop yobs on motorcycles making residents lives a misery.

Middlesbrough's biggest landlord, Erimus Housing, is behind the offer of a £1,000 reward leading to the prosecution of tearaways racing around the streets in the east of the town - and the seizure of their bikes.

Police sergeant Glynn Bass said: "The money will hopefully persuade people who would not normally contact us, to do so, and help us in our efforts to eradicate the dangers and nuisance associated with off road motor cycles on our estates here in east Middlesbrough.

"People can rest assured that all of the information given to us can be done so in confidence, or anonymously. Anyone that gives information that results in seizure or prosecution of the riders will qualify for a cash reward."

Youths are riding around housing estates across east Middlesbrough on trial bikes causing fear and noise nuisance.

Peter Purvis, a ward councillor for Middlesbrough's Thorntree estate, said direct action by Cleveland Police is having an effect.

"We have a new police inspector in charge of the whole of east Middlesbrough and she is really good: she is making good on her promise to tackle this.

"People have been encouraged to report those who have the bikes and where they live. The police are going to those addresses, seizing the bikes and crushing them. For us it's on the wane because the police are on the ball."

Coun Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council executive member for public safety, said: "We are very grateful for the co-operation of Erimus and we are very grateful for the information that their initiative had given us. Any action we can take to reduce motor cycle nuisance will be welcome by all residents.

"This motorcycle nuisance and danger is right at the top of the public's priorities and concerted action is being taken by Erimus, the police and the local authority to tackle the problem, because it is such a nuisance."

Coun Coppinger added: "I would urge parents to think very carefully about encouraging motor cycle use. If people are riding such vehicles up and down residential streets it is a real danger and nuisance and has to be tackled."

Information can be passed to Cleveland Police by calling the Neighbourhood Police team on 01642-302900.