More than 40 vehicles have been seized and two arrests have been made during a crackdown on nuisance motorbikes in Medway.

Since June, a small team from Kent Police have been answering calls from the public who are concerned about the anti-social use of motorbikes.

So far neighbourhood officers have seized 44 motorbikes, issued 28 fixed penalty notices and made two arrests.

A 17-year-old from Gillingham was arrested on suspicion of affray and has been bailed until October 4 pending further enquiries.

James Pinch, 18, of Glencoe Road in Chatham, was arrested on August 10 and charged with driving a motor vehicle without a licence, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance, riding a motorcycle on a road and failing to wear protective head gear, assault, dangerous driving and driving a motor vehicle taken without owner’s consent.

He has been bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on October 22.

Officers have also issued 88 Section 59 warnings for anti-social driving offences such as driving in a careless or inconsiderate manner, driving on any land which is not part of a road and driving in a manner which can causes distress or annoyance.

The warning lasts for 12 months and if the driver is then seen driving in any of those conditions again during this time the vehicle can be seized.

Officers have also visited schools to advise young people about the laws around riding motorbikes in public areas.

"These motorbikes are making life a misery for local residents" - Sgt Philippa Hooper

Neighbourhood officer, acting sergeant Philippa Hooper, said: “These motorbikes are making life a misery for local residents who have to endure the constant noise.

"Not only that, but the riders actions are often dangerous, not only to themselves but also to other members of the public.

“We will continue to patrol key areas in the coming months to hopefully deter nuisance vehicles and warn irresponsible riders that their bikes could be seized for good.

“Officers have already warned those who are known to ride off road bikes that their actions will not be tolerated and that we will not hesitate in seizing and destroying vehicles which have been used anti-socially or dangerously.”

• Members of the public concerned about nuisance motorbikes in their area can email op.enact.medway@kent.pnn.police.uk.