POLICE are launching the annual summer campaign to put the brakes on the criminal and anti-social use of scrambler bikes across Merseyside.

"Operation Brookdale" will centre on areas where communities have been plagued by illegal use of the machines along with off-road vehicles and quad bikes.

Superintendent Jenny Sims said: “Operation Brookdale focuses on areas where communities have told us there is a problem with scrambler bikes.

“With the arrival of light nights, there is a likelihood that riders of these bikes may be tempted to ride them more often, causing further disruption and misery to our communities and we just won’t tolerate it.”

During the crackdown, officers will use a variety of tactics and pay particular attention to roads, parks and public land.

Neighbourhood officers will be supported by specialist roads policing department, vehicle crime as well as the mounted and dog sections.

The campaign will see:

High-visibility police patrols, including officers on scramblers and quad bikes, on roads, parkland and other public spaces.

Use of the police helicopter to act as an "eye in the sky" and monitor the use of bikes if they are in areas inaccessible to officers on foot or in a car.

Plain clothes patrols; The use of locally gathered intelligence to target places where illegal bikers are known to ride; Enforcement of traffic law to restrict activities of illegal riders.

Education will also play a part, with officers visiting schools advising students about the dangers of these bikes and laws surrounding their use.

Superintendent Sims continued: "Merseyside Police will not tolerate the illegal, or anti-social use of scrambler, or quad bikes but we need the public to tell us where these bikes are being stored and who is using them, so we can take action and take these bikes out of circulation.

“Last year every address the public told us about, was visited by officers. If you provide us or Crimestoppers with information about the use of these bikes, I can assure you we will take action.

"Sometimes the riders of these bikes don't understand the consequences for local communities and the harm the use of these bikes can cause.

"In the wrong hands they are potentially lethal and people need to understand the potential consequences of driving these bikes irresponsibly.

"Anyone who takes to the roads illegally and poses a danger to pedestrians and other motorists risks losing their licence, their vehicle, and if their reckless driving results in injury or death, they will face a prison sentence.

"My message to these people is ask yourself - is it worth the risk?"