OFF-ROAD motorcyclists risk having their bikes confiscated if they continue to ride across a private piece of land.

Police are stepping up patrols to combat nuisance and potential danger of young bikers using a large grassed area off Broomside Lane, Belmont, on the outskirts of Durham.

The land, next to Hilltop Farm, is owned by the Ramside Hall estate, but has become a venue for several youths using off-road machines.

Complaints from residents have increased in recent weeks, particularly since the school summer holiday began.

Sergeant Bob Brown, of the force motorcycle section, said many of the young riders fail to wear helmets or other protective equipment, while some of the machines they are using may be stolen.

"As long as there are boys you will have problems with motorcycles.

"But sometimes parents are not aware they are out, possibly riding on stolen bikes and not wearing any protective equipment, with only track- suits and trainers to protect them if they come off.

"Clearly, if they crash they are risking being killed."

Officers are putting the finishing touches to an operation involving the off-road motorcycle section, at police headquarters in Aykley Heads, Durham.

Patrols will be increased and the force has pledged to issue warning notices to offending riders.

Those re-offending within 12 months can expect their machines to be seized, with a fixed £105 recovery rate, on top of a £12-per-day storage charge.

Beat officer, PC Gordon Stuart, said: "We know there are about half-a-dozen main culprits coming from Sherburn Village and the surrounding area.

"They are using this land, which is privately-owned, mainly on weekday evenings and weekends, and we are determined to put a stop to it.

"There will be no excuses tolerated. Offenders will get a warning and if they continue to ride in the area, they risk having their bikes seized."

The operation is being carried out under Durham Police's StreetSafe initiative, to combat anti-social behaviour.

Earlier this year the force also launched a crackdown on problems caused by boy racers - both in cars and on bikes.

During the past six months, it has resulted in 13 motorcycles being confiscated across the county, as well as dozens of warning notices issued.