By Hayley Robinson

Noisy motorbikes are to be targeted by the police's Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team.

Incidents of mini-motos and other mopeds and motorbikes being ridden in an anti-social way rise during the long days of summer and the team is keen to clamp down on the problem.

PCSO Jack Berriman-Fairbrother said: "Repeat offenders will have their bikes seized. If they are not recovered at a cost of £150, they will be destroyed.

"We have already had a few successes seizing nuisance bikes this year and we will continue to pursue those who ride these bikes illegally.

"Mini-motos and other similar bikes can be very dangerous as they often leak fluid and have not passed any safety regulations.

"They have a big impact on residents' quality of life, especially during the summer months when people are spending more time in their gardens. They can also cause untold damage to farmers' crops.

"The safety of the riders themselves is also a major concern. With the speeds some of these bikes reach, it's only a matter of time before someone ends up seriously injured.

"I am particularly concerned about young children being knocked over."

Members of the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team are urging anyone who sees incidents of nuisance bikes to contact them immediately on 01795 419119.