A new police operation has removed nine illegal off-road bikes from the streets in just a few weeks.

Operation Leopard, led by the Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), is aimed at tackling the anti-social and dangerous use of off-road bikes in Barrow and Furness.

The operation was launched in response to growing concerns and frequent reports of these bikes being ridden illegally and dangerously.

The police fear that these reckless actions pose a risk to the public and law-abiding motorists.

Operation Leopard also targets individuals who ride these bikes in public spaces, causing criminal damage and spoiling the environment for others.

Beginning in late September, NPT officers, in partnership with the Roads Policing Unit (RPU), carried out intelligence-led hotspot patrols in both marked and unmarked patrol vehicles.

The RPU officers were able to apprehend riders and seize their bikes.

The next phase of Operation Leopard utilised a police drone to locate and track riders, directing police officers on the ground to the offenders.

The operation has already resulted in nine mechanically propelled bikes being taken off the road.

Additionally, three riders have been reported for offences related to licences and no insurance.

Police Sergeant John Dilks, of Barrow & Furness NPT, said: "Operation Leopard was set up in response to complaints from the public of regular anti-social use of bikes in and around Barrow, and we recognise that this is something which has a big impact on our communities.

"Not only were there concerns around ASB and the dangers to other motorists and pedestrians, but also the danger the riders are putting themselves in by riding in this manner.

"We must plan operations of this nature very carefully, and ensure we have the right resources in place, as I’m sure the public will recognise the risks involved in bringing these bikes and riders to a safe stop.

"We thank the public for their patience and ask they continue to tell us when and where this ASB is occurring.

"We will listen, and we will act upon this information.

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

The operation will be ongoing and will use the same resources to target these bikes, especially in the autumn and winter months when the darker, colder, and wetter conditions increase the danger to everyone, including the riders.

Operation Leopard is part of Operation Enhance, which is funded by an additional £1 million from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to target anti-social behaviour and serious violence in hotspot areas across the county.

As part of Operation Enhance, there are increased patrols in Barrow, and early figures show that since the start of the operation in July and August 2024, anti-social behaviour has fallen by 35 per cent compared to the same period 12 months ago, in the hotspot areas of Barrow and Ulverston.

Anyone with any information regarding off-road bikes can contact Cumbria Police on 101.