A joint operation between Thurrock Council and Essex Police was held in a bit to crack down on anti-social behaviour caused by reckless motorcyclists with a 50 per cent drop in reported incident during the peak summer months.

Thurrock Council provided funding to Essex Police to support them in cracking down on this issue.

In just nine months Essex Police carried out a large number of operations against people committing these kinds of offences.

Enforcement included six people arrested for various offences, 25 warnings issued about offences, four letters sent to insurance companies reporting fraud and 41 people reported for having no insurance, driving without a licence and careless riding.

The joint operation also saw eight people receiving tickets for vehicle defects, 11 vehicles seized, two stolen vehicles received and one house searched, six stop and search actions, and one rider from South Ockendon banned and fined £1,040.

Rob Gledhill, leader of Thurrock Council, said: “We have been working hard to tackle all forms of anti-social behaviour in the borough and we know that nuisance motor and quad bike riders are something which have caused a great deal of concern to residents.

“It is great to see that the funding we have made available, and the joint working between our enforcement and CCTV teams and Essex Police, has had such a significant impact on this nuisance.

“We will be continuing, and strengthening, the joint work we do with the police to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough.”

Inspector Paul Ballard, of Thurrock CPT, said: “We are using all tactics at our disposal to deter and disrupt nuisance riders, many of whom seem to think they are above the law.

“We have listened to residents’ concerns about the actions of a small minority who are causing harm within our communities. I am pleased to say we have achieved some great results and we have reduced this type of anti-social behaviour in these areas.

“We remain determined to deal with offenders and our operation continues to go from strength to strength in partnership with Thurrock Council.”