A FRESH warning has been issued to quad bikers in the face of a rise in "menacing" anti-social riding across the district.

Bradford’s specialist ‘quad squad’ has continued its crackdown on anti-social and illegal use of motorcycles, quads and other vehicles.

Since 2014, the team has notched up more than 820 vehicle seizures with almost 900 ‘section 59’ warnings and a number of prosecutions for road traffic and vehicle crime offences

Following a rise in reports of ‘demon’ drivers, patrols have been stepped up in hotspot areas and the force has said action will be taken against anyone using off-road motorcycles and quads illegally or anti-socially.

PC David Hitchcocks, of the Bradford District ASB Bike Team, said: “Any owners of motorcycles, quads or off-road vehicles need to act responsibly and use their vehicle in a sensible manner at a legal location.

“Moorland, public parks, grassed areas, cycle areas and ‘wasteland’ are not to be used by motor vehicles.

“Anyone found doing so will risk their vehicle being seized, their licence being endorsed with points, possible fines being imposed and also the consideration of being prosecuted for criminal damage. There are no excuses and a simple search on the internet will identify numerous legal off-road sites you can use your vehicle at.”

He added that privately-owned land, such as the Flappit site near Cullingworth or quarries, are “no go” areas.

“The urban myth they are authorised for off-road use should be dismissed. Private land can only be used with the land owner’s permission and for no other reason," he said.

“I would encourage the public to report any illegal vehicular activity, pass on names/addresses of those responsible to the police and also let us know about storage locations for these vehicles.”

Chief Inspector Jo Beecroft, of Bradford District Police, said: “Illegal and anti-social riding by off-road riding causes real misery in communities and it is an issue which our neighbourhood officers take very seriously.

“The summer months often see an upsurge in offending of this type and as a result our NPT officers and colleagues at the ASB Bike Team have upped their own activity to crack down on this behaviour.

“It is clearly good news that over 800 vehicles have been seized by officers and we wish to thank residents who have contacted the team with intelligence about such activity in their communities.”

Anyone with information about such behaviour should call the team on 101 or go to bdasbbiketeam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.