A day of action against illegal off-road and scrambler bikes is taking place today in Wirral.

The crackdown is part of Operation Brookdale which has already seen 44 bikes seized, 42 stolen machines recovered and 28 arrests since its launch on June 9.

Merseyside police commissioner Jane Kennedy will lead the operation, which will concentrate on the Woodchurch estate.

She will be joined by representatives from Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Wirral Council, Magenta Housing, Crimestoppers and local councillors

Last summer Birkenhead and Tranmere residents said they were constantly terrorised by teenage gangs racing around their streets on scooters and scrambler bikes.

They said they were at breaking point - with the police accused of doing little to stop their reign of terror.

Today's event will see leaflets delivered to hundreds of homes with representatives from all agencies talking to householders about the illegal and anti-social use the bikes.

They will also be urging people to come forward with any information about where bikes are being stored.

And a giant ad-van encouraging people to give information to Crimestoppers anonymously will also tour the area before taking the message to people across Wirral.

Representatives from social landlords Magenta Living will be warning that any tenants who are involved with, or have children using nuisance bikes in an anti-social way, could face losing their home.

Ms Kennedy said: “Today is about sending out a clear message that we will not tolerate these bikes in our communities.

"They bring misery to the lives of hard-working, decent people and endanger the safety of innocent road users and pedestrians, as well as being used to carry out serious crimes.

“Operation Brookdale demonstrates just how seriously Merseyside Police and all our partners treat the anti-social and criminal use of these bikes.

"Robust action will be taken against those who use them and parents need to know that they could face losing their homes if their children are misusing nuisance bikes."

Merseyside Police Superintendent Jenny Sims, leading Operation Brookdale, said: “This event is a great way for the Wirral community to see first-hand the action being taken to tackle scrambler bike issues in their area.

"We know that these bikes cause distress to residents, damage to the environment, and can be used in serious crimes.

“Standing alongside the police and crime commissioner, Wirral Council and local partners, we are a more powerful force against the illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes."

She added: "Operation Brookdale has already seen numerous bikes seized this summer and we will continue to take positive action when information is provided.

“If you know who is using them or where they are being stored, speak to us and we will act. If you own a lock-up garage or storage facility and become aware of any illegal bikes being stored, work with us and we will seize these vehicles. 

"And if you are storing bikes on behalf of others, be very aware you may be in breach of tenancy agreements and could lose your home.”

Wirral Council’s cabinet member for housing and community safety Cllr George Davies said: “This day of action targeting scrambler bikes will be welcomed in our communities.

“These machines and the people riding them are a real menace in some areas of Wirral and this operation is part of a co-ordinated, multi-agency response to the issue."