Several bikes that have been seized in County Durham after being used for anti-social and criminal behaviour have been crushed following a special police operation.

A video has been released by Durham Constabulary showing bike owners what their punishment will be if they ride illegal bikes across the county.

Several “unroadworthy” vehicles that had been seized by officers were crushed last week as part of Operation Endurance, which was put in place to tackle issues with illegal motorbikes, quad bikes and 4x4 vehicles.

Read more: Durham Police follow trail of bricks in road and stop unsafe van

The Northern Echo: Bikes crushed in Operation Endurance.

The crushing operation was overseen by Deputy Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine alongside PCC Joy Allen.

DCC Irvine said: “We are doing everything we can to make the roads as safe as possible and for those who are using bikes criminally and antisocially, we need you to understand that through Operation Endurance, we will hunt you down relentlessly and ensure those bikes are seized and you face the consequences.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen added: “This off-road bike crushing exercise is to show those who cause harm in communities linked to off-road bikes, scooters and quads, that the police have zero tolerance to anti-social behaviour of this kind. 

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The Northern Echo: Bikes crushed in Operation Endurance.

“Not only is it dangerous to the rider, as often they don’t wear helmets and to other road users and pedestrians, it also causes noise nuisance and damage to property and is a blight on our communities.   

Residents who wish to report a nuisance bike can call 101 or in an emergency, call 999.