POLICE are getting tough on people that ride off-road bikes illegally, dangerously and who cause antisocial behaviour with them.

Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Safer Roads Targeting Team (SRTT) have been working across Leigh and Wigan following reports from community neighbourhood officers and residents about illegal off-road biking in the borough.

Video footage has been released by the force which shows the work that the SRTT is doing.

Superintendent Gareth Parkin from GMP’s Wigan Division said: “Off-road bikes being used illegally is a big concern for both police and residents with riders drawn to the disused mining areas across the region.

“Riders need to think safety first and make sure they are informed where they can ride safely and legally, without posing a risk to members of the public responsibly accessing these sites for recreation.”

The SRTT was launched last year to educate riders about their rights and responsibilities and to promote the legal use of all off-road vehicles.

It is against the law to use an off-road bike on any land without permission.

From January 2017 to January 2018 there were 100 off-road bikes which were seized in different police operations across Greater Manchester.

Out of the 100 bikes, 75 were taken for no insurance and the other 25 for illegal use.

There were a further 150 warnings for riders using their vehicles in a way to cause alarm, distress or annoyance.

Superintendent Parkin added: “We remain committed to tackling the very real danger that off-road bikes pose and officers will continue to liaise with the SRTT, focusing on specific problem areas and bringing offenders to justice.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal activity to us by calling 101.

"We have also introduced a toolkit to help us work with communities to gather information and get the real picture of what is happening across the borough.”

To view the toolkit visit gmp.police.uk/offroadbikes.

It provides details about how police and partners are taking action against those who ride off-road bikes illegally.