Police are stepping up patrols to stop nuisance motorcyclists in two anti-social hot spots in Keighley, ahead of the summer holidays.

The town’s Neighbourhood Policing Team have seen a rise in calls over recent weeks relating to bikers in the Long Lee and Stockbridge areas.

As well as increasing patrols, they have called for residents to stand up those causing anti-social behaviour by naming them to police, and have asked for help from an off-road motorcycle unit to make it easier for them to catch the culprits.

Bike owners have been warned their vehicles could be crushed if they are caught making their neighbours’ lives a misery.

Sergeant Bev Garnett said: “We need all the information we can from the public to be able to effectively tackle the anti-social use of motorbikes and quads.

“If you know where the bikes are coming from, who is on them or who owns them, please tell us immediately and in as much detail as possible.

“Anyone found to be using these vehicles in an anti-social or unlawful manner will have the vehicle seized and will have to pay the recovery and storage charges to have the vehicle released. The rider is also likely to be prosecuted for contravention of the Road Traffic Act.

“We are working hard to combat the nuisance caused to local residents in the Keighley district by these off-road motorcycles.

“Where we can, we will be seizing them and having them crushed.

“We will also be looking to make contact with identified owners of such vehicles to provide them with advice and let them know we will be monitoring their use, particularly during the school holidays.

“They can be a danger to the public and the riders themselves.

“We want any information to help us identify nuisance bikes and their owners and this needs to be reported as soon as you hear or see the motor bikes.

“You can contact us on the non emergency number 101 or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Councillor Geraldine Stack, who represents Stockbridge on Keighley Town Council, was happy the police were tackling the issue, which she said was widely recognised problem in the area.

She said: “We will work with the police on this issue, and they normally work with the town council anyway.”

e-mail: chris.young@telegraphandargus.co.uk