POLICE say they will seize and possibly crush off-road motorbikes during a summer-long crackdown following persistent complaints by villagers.

Riders who ignore warnings could see their vehicles seized and possibly scrapped during the operation in the villages of Bournmoor and Fencehouses, near Chester-le-Street.

The campaign follows a spate of complaints from residents about the dangers posed by off-road motorcycles and quad bikes.

Over the last few months, villagers say the bikers are not only causing annoyance and disturbing the peace of the area, but they are putting passers-by at risk.

The riders have also damaging private and communal grassed areas, in some areas on an almost daily basis.

Police have attempted various measures to combat the problem and have seized several bikes belonging to the most persistent offenders. But a full-scale operation has now been put together to tackle the issue head-on.

Extra police patrols are to be staged in hotspots such as Sydney Street and the adjacent woods and allotments, the rear of Gill Crescent North, Lambton Lane, West View and Lambourne Close.

Particular attention will be given to the corn field and the rear of Gill Crescent South leading to the Bill Forth Memorial Park.

Police say they will issue warning notices when vehicles are being used to cause anti-social behaviour. If the rider is caught again on any vehicle in the following 12 months, it will be seized.

They will then have to pay a premium price to the council to claim back the machine, otherwise it will be scrapped.

Education packs are also being sent to local schools to advise pupils of the laws regarding the vehicles.

Brian Donnelly, the police community support officer who is overseeing the operation, said: "This has been a real concern for local residents for quite some time as the riders using the quad and off-road bikes are showing no consideration for anyone else.

"We are prepared to take firm action if needed and I would fully expect a number of bikes will end up being seized and crushed."

The police operation will run until the end of August and any resident wishing to report bikes being used as a nuisance should call 0345 6060365.

Further information and advice about off-road biking can be found at www.durham.police.uk/bikewise.