YOUTHS risk having their motorbikes seized and destroyed if they ride them on common land in Stourport.

Signs highlighting that police have such powers under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act have been put up on The Snipes, Walshes, in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour from motorcyclists riding off-road bikes and mini motos.

The matter has been a Partners and Communities Together issue for more than a year, with motorcyclists posing a danger to dog walkers and disturbing nearby residents.

The problem is being tackled jointly by West Mercia Police, the Walshes Partnership - a community partnership involving local residents and organisations - and Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership.

The police have funded and located the signs, where were supplied by the Vestia Community Trust.

PC Jon Harris of West Mercia Police said: “This is an on-going problem in the area, and it is having a significant effect on the quality of life of local residents.

“Signs have now been erected and we hope these, together with extra patrols by police and community support officers, will act as a deterrent.

“If problems persist, we will not hesitate to seize and potentially crush offending vehicles.”

Justin Bryant, community development manager from Vestia Community Trust, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the local community with this initiative to tackle the issue of anti social behaviour on The Snipes.

“We hope that motorbike riders will understand the distress that they are causing local residents and heed the warnings made by the signs.”