A CRACKDOWN on antisocial motorcycle riders has been launched by police.

Officers have kicked-off Operation Confiscate after complaints about bad behaviour from residents in Clifton, Fulford and Heworth.

A number of bikes have already been seized and riders prosecuted, including a man who appeared in court for taking a vehicle and another who was reported for driving in a dangerous manner.

Officers are using new off-road police motorbikes as well as unmarked vehicles to catch suspects. Unroadworthy scooters, mopeds, quadbikes and off-road bikes, or those being ridden illegally, are being confiscated and riders will be sent to court, says North Yorkshire Police.

York North PCSO Harl Pattison said: “This operation is aimed at dealing proactively with anyone riding in an antisocial manner.

“We’ll be carrying out various stop checks. This is a warning that if your vehicle or documentation is not in order, now is the time to rectify it, and we are encouraging all riders to ride in a responsible and legal manner.”

Officers have issued a number of section 59 warnings and a spokesman said these “work like a yellow and red card”, with the first issued as a warning and the second giving police the power to seize the vehicle. The rider would then have to pay for their bike to be recovered from an impound.

Organisations including the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which can carry out roadside checks, have been helping officers identify motorbikes that are not insured or have no MOT and riders who do not have a licence. Police said some suspects have been found to be underage riders.

Police want to remind riders that they must be aged 16 or over and have completed compulsory basic training. Learner plates must be used if the rider has not passed their full motorcycle or moped test within two years.

They have advised residents to report nuisance riders by calling 101 or emailing snayorknorth@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. If possible, people should take down the registration, make or model of bikes as well as a description of the rider and what they are wearing.