POLICE in Worcester are seizing mini-motorbikes and threatening to destroy them as they become an increasing scourge in the city.

Officers have so far confiscated two 'mini-motos' and are threatening to take more after 91 complaints of misuse in Worcester in the last four months and 171 across the South Worcestershire force area.

On Thursday, January 5, officers found a teenage girl riding one of the bikes - believed to be in breach of the Road Traffic Act - in Goldsmith Road, Brickfields, Worcester.

Days later, on Wednesday, January 11, they confiscated a second mini-moto on suspicion of it being ridden illegally by a male juvenile in nearby Turners Close.

Warndon beat managers PC Duncan Eades and PC Nick Davies were patrolling locally on their recently-issued mountain bikes at the time.

Papers have been served on the bikes' owners, giving them 14 days to prove that the bikes were being ridden legally.

If, at the end of that period, they have not done so, police can destroy them.

The action comes after numerous warnings to parents and teenagers about the dangers of illegally using mini-motos on the highway, on pavements and footpaths, or any other public area.

Mike Digger, traffic management adviser for South Worcestershire Police, said: "Virtually everyone riding a mini-moto or powered scooter is almost certainly committing up to seven offences unless they are on their own property or on someone else's with their permission.

"In addition to motoring offences, there may well be occasions when mini-motos and powered scooters are used in an anti-social way.

"In both cases, there are powers of confiscation and destruction - and there could well be some very unhappy faces if our warnings are not heeded."

One person who knows all about the anti-social aspects of the bike is London Road resident Ceri Vines, aged 39.

He has often come across teenagers and adults on them in various parts of Worcester and considers them a nuisance. He said: "At one point people were using the car park at County Hall as a race track and it was frightening children and animals.

"I have two dogs and I walk them on the park at the end of Battenhall Road. A teenager came past me recently and made me jump. These bikes are dangerous and have no right to be ridden in public places."

Sally Matthews, the owner of A&S Motorcycle Centre in Cowleigh Road, Malvern, sells the more expensive models of the bike - up to £500.

She argued people needed a proper course for them, something she is hoping to set up later this year.

She said: "Mini-motos are great fun when they are used in the proper place, but I agree they can be a nuisance in the wrong place.

"I am hoping to set up a course on the outskirts of Malvern later this year and then everyone can be happy."

Meanwhile, in Kempsey parish councillors have been complaining about youths riding their mini-motos on the Common.

Commons and hams committee chairman John Michael said: "There are fears for livestock and walkers and the damage done by churning up the soft ground.

"It is against the bylaws in Kempsey for anyone to ride a motor vehicle on the Common but these are a particular nuisance as many of the youngsters don't have adequate control.

why mini-motos are illegal

l Before they can be legally used on the road, the rider and machine must meet six criteria: He/she must be 16 or over, hold at least a provisional licence and wear a helmet. The bike must be registered, taxed and insured.

l As mini-motos are motor vehicles, it is an offence to use them on a footpath. The 1835 Highways Act and the 1988 Road Traffic Act make this illegal.

l Despite pleas to parents not to buy mini-motos for Christmas, they were 2005's best seller. An estimated 100,000 were brought last year compared to 10,000 in 2002.

l They can be seized under the Police Reform Act if they are ridden illegally or in a careless or anti-social way.