RESIDENTS in North Swindon have been given assurances by Wiltshire Police that they are committed to tackling anti-social motorbike use.

Gangs of youths on scrambler bikes and mopeds have taken to using the housing developments in the area as their own personal racetrack in recent months.

Riding on footpaths and grassy areas are just two things that residents have been complaining about - others include anti-social revving and speeding around during nighttime hours and performing dangerous stunts like wheelies on main roads including Thamesdown Drive.

Anti-social bike use has become a regular conversation topic on community Facebook pages with some asking why the police are not doing more to tackle the problem.

PC Stefan Watts, of North Swindon's policing team, said: “We do realise that a lot of people have been affected by this and recognise that as well as being a nuisance and disturbing it can also be extremely dangerous and put not only the riders at risk but other members of the public.

“We are keen to deal with this problem due to the impact it is having on so many of you and there are potentially offences being committed and specific legislation to deal with this behaviour.”

PC Watts appealed for anyone witnessing anti-social riding to call 101 while the culprits are still in the area - he said doing so would allow officers to respond where possible and to build up a pattern of behaviour and anticipate routes being taken.

He said: “It is easy to assume a neighbour will report it but even if they do, by getting multiple reports it does show the scale of the problem.”

Tackling motorbike and scooter riders can be tricky for the police as officers have a responsibility to consider a whole host of safety questions, particularly when any element of pursuit is involved.

PC Watts explained: “It must be frustrating for the people affected to not have the problem resolved as soon as contact with the police is made.

“The reality is that when dealing with motorcycle - especially when no helmets are worn - officers have to risk assess the situation and take into account the safety of the persons involved very seriously.”

In a warning to those responsible he said: “If you are involved in this - please STOP. If you have children with access to these bikes - speak to them.

“Otherwise, expect a visit from police.”