POLICE Officers working to combat nuisance motorbikes in Medway have issued three warnings following a fresh initiative.

The action was an effort by police Medway Council to crack down on nuisance and illegal off-road bikes.

Last Sunday PCs Andy Ledger and Mick O’Meara used their police Land Rover to stop a nuisance bike travelling across fields in Grain, near Strood.

The rider was issued with a nuisance vehicle warning. Later on the pair abandoned the Land Rover and patrolled on foot to stop two off-road bikes in Borstal, near Rochester.

PC Ledger said: "This is not just about stopping nuisance behaviour, It is also about safety.

"Many of the riders are simply unaware of the danger they are putting themselves and others in by riding these vehicles in such an irresponsible manner. Most of the people we stop don’t even bother wearing basic protective clothing.

"I would like to urge parents to be responsible when purchasing and allowing their children to ride these type of bikes. As well as the safety aspects they need to consider insurance, driving license issues and where their children are riding.

"I am sure that parents do not want their children to be issued with police warnings or be seriously hurt on an off-road bike. It is probably a simple case of not thinking through the purchase of the vehicle.

He added: "I would like to stress that, whilst the local authorities are working towards finding a legal and safe environment for the use of off-road vehicles, no such facility is currently available in the area.

"So off-road motorists be warned. We will not hesitate in issuing warnings, seizing vehicles and reporting drivers to court when appropriate."