Crime-BUSTING bobbies on the transport "beat" are taking to two wheels in their fight against Bolton railway vandals.

Officers from British Transport Police have taken delivery of four high-powered motorbikes, for use off and on roads as they chase thugs who are targeting the region's rail lines.

It comes just weeks after the BEN revealed the bikes were to be bought as vandals played havoc with train services around the Walkden area.

The 600cc machines, which Railtrack bosses have bought for BTP at a cost of £30,000, will enable officers to chase suspects along embankments and tracks.

They have been brought into use just as the school summer holidays begin, a notorious time for trespass and vandalism on the town's rail network. BTP Chief Inspector Steve White said: "These bikes will patrol known vandalism areas and can be at the scene very quickly.

"We will also have a police officer sitting in the Railtrack control room to help to co-ordinate the response to calls about vandalism, and this will help to speed up our reaction."

Six officers have received special training before taking to the bikes in the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Research has shown the motorcycle cops will be able to get to scenes of reported vandalism in less than half the time of their colleagues in cars.

Introduction of the bikes follows a recent spate of crime on railway lines close to Bolton.

Plastic piping was dumped across lines and two train windows were smashed as carriages sped along lines between Walkden and Atherton.

Martin Frobisher, area asset manager for Railtrack, said: "We see this as another weapon in our fight against railway vandals.

"People who stray onto the tracks put themselves in danger, and those who attack trains and railway equipment should know that we are increasing the chances of them being caught."

Anybody who sees trespass or vandalism on the railways can contact BTP free on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.