CUMBRIA Police took nine mechanically propelled bikes being used illegally and dangerously off the roads in Barrow over the last week and a half.

It comes as officers have been made aware of a recent spate of anti-social behaviour in and around the town caused by the illegal riding of motorised bikes on public roads and spaces.

As a result, Barrow Neighbourhood Policing team launched Operation Leonard last week.

The operation is a collaboration between Community Officers working in partnership with highly trained Road Policing Unit and Response colleagues.

A spokesperson from the Barrow Police department said: “Riders are committing road traffic offences, but, most important of all, they are putting themselves and the public in extreme danger by the manner and disregard they are being ridden.

“Officers are using a range of resources including their Road Policing tactics on the ground to seize bikes and prosecute riders where necessary, while we have also introduced our ‘eye-in-the-sky’ to find, and follow riders.

This is the just the start. Operation Leopard will continue to bear its teeth and target those intent on putting the law-abiding public and road users in danger.

“We thank the public for their support in tackling this priority concern and encourage this to continue.”