POLICE are stepping up their campaign against illegal and anti-social use of scrambler bikes over the summer holidays.

Operation Brookdale was originally introduced in 2012 as a response to a rise in incidents over the summer and is now run all year round.

The partnership operation also involves Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, National Police Air Service helicopter, local authorities, housing associations, schools and youth groups.

Merseyside Police say that this year, there has been a decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour and nuisance involving off-road motorbikes across the region.

More than 300 bikes have been seized so far this, many of which have been found to be stolen and have been reunited with their owners.

Police activity to tackle the issue during the summer holidays will include:

• Increased patrols in hotspot areas, including parks and other public land

• Enforcement of traffic law on the highway to restrict the activities of illegal riders on our roads

• Use of NPAS helicopter to act as an eye in the sky and monitor the movements of these bikes

• Use of locally gathered intelligence to execute warrants where storage locations are identified

• Visits to petrol stations by officers and PCSOs

• Partnership work with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Local Authorities (including City Watch CCTV) and housing authorities

Merseyside Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "Merseyside Police has worked very hard to crackdown on the illegal and anti-social use of nuisance bikes.

"Operation Brookdale has had real success, helping to protect communities and keep local people safe.

"A large number of bikes have been seized and many have been reunited with their rightful owners."

Chief Inspector Gary O'Rourke, who leads the operation, said: "Reports of the anti-social and nuisance use of off-road motorbikes have decreased significantly this year, which is extremely encouraging for us and our communities, some of whom have been blighted by the issue.

"However, we know that the problem has not gone away and it still affecting people's lives, and we are determined to keep this momentum up and drive down these numbers even more, until the problem is completely removed for our communities.

"Our best chance of removing this threat is always to know where bikes are being stored before they get out on the streets.

"If you know where bikes are being stored, either in homes, storage units or elsewhere, please come forward and we will act on all information provided.

"As we have sadly seen, it only takes one reckless action from a rider to devastate families and communities, and we all have a part to play in keeping our roads, pavements and green spaces safe.

"We know that some areas still suffer from problems but we see success on a daily basis, with officers acting on information to remove these bikes from the streets. As you can see, it makes a genuine difference.

"From work carried out in previous years, we know that incidents can increase during the holiday period.

"Working together, we will ensure that this doesn't happen.

"We issued some very powerful video footage in December, appealing to parents and guardians not to buy or allow their children to ride these vehicles, and the same message stands this summer. Think very carefully about the consequences, know where your children are, and support us and your own communities.

"The consequences suffered by families can be completely avoidable and families and communities continue to suffer because of the reckless behaviour of individuals who didn’t think of the consequences that riding a powerful motorbike in a built-up area might cause."

Anyone with information on who is using these bikes and where they are being stored is asked to message @MerPolCC, or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111. Follow your local policing Twitter and Facebook pages to see some of the successes of Operation Brookdale, and how you can provide information.