POLICE working on Bradford's anti-social bike team adopted a low key approach, working in plain clothes with an unmarked car, to score their latest success in the Holme Wood area.

Officers wanted to return to the area after arresting one suspect and recovering a stolen motorbike on Sunday and took the alternative approach to avoid alerting potential offenders.

As a result a patrol of two constables were able to spot three scooters near shops on Broadstone Way, with one rider performing 'wheelies' directly outside people's homes and one officer was almost hit be a scooter being ridden in a similar manner on the precinct.

Although that rider could not be detained, the officers were able to grab a scooter being ridden by a 16 year old from Tyersal, who was detained.

Investigations revealed the scooter had been stolen from Pudsey and he was arrested on suspicion of theft. Officers also found he he was in possession of cannabis.

A police spokesman said: “We’ve had a really successful day today, having two stolen bikes recovered and two arrested from separate incidents within the Holmewood Area.

"Choosing to patrol in plain clothes and an unmarked car seemed to have the desired effect. These anti social riders expect to see the police bikes or PCSO’s on foot and weren’t really expecting this option.

“They won’t know where we are coming from and the element of surprise will be their downfall.”