POLICE in Westhoughton are cracking down on “dangerous” offroad bikers — by seizing their bikes and crushing them.

The zero-tolerance approach has been launched by the Westhoughton Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) following a number of complaints.

One biker was seen riding into Central Park, Westhoughton, past a children’s play area and disrupting members of the public who were strolling through the park.

Officers are warning off-road bikers that their vehicles will be seized if they are caught in a public place.

Several vehicles have already been seized during the past few weeks and taken to a recovery centre in Horwich where they were crushed.

PC Gareth Barnes, of Westhoughton NPT, said: “Off-road bikes and their reckless users cause major problems in communities.

Not only do they disturb the peace and cause people harassment alarm and distress, but they can also be very dangerous especially when ridden illegally on roads and dangerously through public parks.

“Westhoughton Neighbourhood Policing Team are committed to taking swift positive action with a zero tolerance approach.”

On Saturday, August 6, a member of the public reported three men riding an off-road bike around Barn Field Drive, Westhoughton.

Officers were called and arrested an 18- year-old man for a public order offence.

Then on Saturday, September 3, an officer was on duty in Park Road, Westhoughton, when he spotted a 29-year-old man on a bike being used illegally.

The driver then rode into Central Park before he was stopped by officers in King Street and the bike was seized.

The next day, a member of the public reported two off-road bikes in Hall Lee Bank Park where a 19-yearold man was later detained.

During the same incident a 15-year-old boy was detained on a motorised scooter which was seized.

Riding motorbikes and quad bikes off road is a criminal offence if riders do not have permission from the land owner.

Signs attached to lamp posts across Bolton tell off-road bikers that they could have their vehicles seized. Before the signs were erected, officers had to give a warning first and could only impound vehicles if a rider was caught a second time.

To report off-road bikes in Westhoughton, call the NPT on 0161 856 5689 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.