POLICE sent a stark message to people illegally riding mini motos by publicly crushing one.

The vehicle, which was seized after being ridden in Southcrest, was destroyed on Friday in the first public crushing in the town.

Antsocial behaviour co-ordinator Pc Andy Holliday said there had been many reports the bikes were being ridden dangerously.

"We are concerned a young person riding one of these will harm themselves or others and with the school holidays, we are keen to reinforce the messages from our ongoing campaign," he said.

The battle against the problem in Redditch started at the end of last year and has focused on education and awareness, as well as enforcement.

If officers see a bike being used illegally, the owner must pay a fine to get the vehicle back but if they do not pay or re-offend, police have the power to destroy it.