BRADFORD'S police nuisance bike squad has notched up 140 seizures of vehicles being ridden in an anti-social manner.

Officers say the number of off road and quad bikes removed by the team has made a dramatic difference in some areas of the district.

The clampdown has been highlighted by a suspended prison sentence handed out to one rider whose dangerous driving was captured on video by police.

Patrolling officers saw Nathan Smith doing wheelies on a quad bike in Swain House Road, Swain House, last September. He then drove at more than 70mph down King's Road, where he was joined by a black Seat car driving at speed.

Smith was pulled over at the junction of Bolton Lane and Whiteways and arrested. The Seat driver was not traced.

Smith, 29, of Thompson Avenue, Eccleshill, pleaded guilty before Bradford magistrates to dangerous driving and was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment suspended for a year. He was banned from driving for 15 months, followed by an extended retest, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work. The police video of the driving was shown to the court.

Inspector George Bardell, who leads the Eccleshill-based District Anti-Social Behaviour bike team, declared: "This latest conviction shows our continued determination to tackle nuisance riders, and we urge people to keep reporting these incidents and any details of the bikes which are being used to the police."

PC David Hudson, of the bike team, said it had been a positive result for police and residents.

He said: "We shouldn't have to put up with this standard of driving and we are pleased the court reviewed all the material and made a positive decision."

His colleague, PC David Hitchcocks, added: "We are hoping this will send out a clear and positive message that this kind of anti-social behaviour will never be tolerated."

The off road bike team was set up last July in a bid to reduce nuisance and improve safety on the district's roads by targeting dangerous quad and motorbikers.

More than 20 bikes have been seized since the turn of the year.

Insp Bardell added: "We would like to thank the public for passing on the information which has helped us to make an impact on this issue.

"We will continue to use all available legislation to make sure that those committing offences are prosecuted and dealt with positively."

Anyone who sees a bike being used in an anti-social manner should contact the team with as much information as possible on (01274) 373968 or email Bradforddistrictasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.