SCOOTERS are being hailed the latest fashion accessory, but police in the region have found the trend has presented them with a new battle.

Easy to drive, park and unfortunately steal, police are trying to keep one step ahead of motorcycle and scooter with their Bike Wise campaign.

Sergeant Bob Brown, from the Durham Police motorbike section, said: "About six years ago we thought 'where the hell are these bikes going?'

"We thought we would have to get close to the motorcycle community to see what was going on. At the time there was a grey area between police and motorcycles.

"But the lads who work here are bikers as well as police - they are committed motorcyclists."

The police set up Bike Wise to spread the word about motorcycle security and safety and building bridges between police and motorcyclists.

Once a year police headquarters are partially closed off and stunt motorbike riders, entertainers and motorcycle companies are drafted in for a celebration of bike culture.

At this year's event there will be an emphasis on scooter security.

Scooter sales have rocketed by 44 per cent since last year and they are now far more likely to be stolen than large, expensive motorcycles.

Police are urging people to chain their scooters or mark them with an ultra-violet pen, especially when parked in sheds or yards at home, where more than two-thirds are stolen.

The police are also taking a no-nonsense approach to bikes found without identification numbers which are chiselled away when stolen.

The bikes are now confiscated and crushed.

The uncompromising approach should also prevent youths riding damaged bikes on cycle ways or fields, which the police fear will result in an accident.

l Bike Wise takes place on August 13, at Aykley Heads, Durham, between 10am and 5pm. Admission is £1 adults and free for kids.