TWO off-road vehicles have been seized by Abergavenny police in a bid to tackle their illegal use.

Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team took action after residents told officers that off-road bikes were being ridden on public highways in an anti-social manner.

Officers increased patrols to tackle the problem and confiscated two off-road motorbikes from local men under Section 59 of the Road Traffic Act on Wednesday, July 27.

Both bikes were being ridden anti-socially, one in the Castle ward and the other in the Croesonen and Lansdown areas.

Sergeant Samantha Elliott, of Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team, is hoping the action taken by officers will encourage other residents to report incidents of anti-social behaviour involving motorised vehicles.

She said, "We have taken this action in response to community concerns and these recent seizures show the public that we will not tolerate the illegal and anti-social use of off-road motor vehicles.

"Off-road bikes can cause danger and annoyance to other people and riders need to make sure they use their bikes legally and considerately."

Sergeant Elliott is also concerned that people riding off-road vehicles on public roads are putting lives in danger.

She added, "We know that some people use these bikes to ride around the streets of Abergavenny, totally disregarding the safety and concerns of others.

"Parents are worried about children being able to play safely outside their homes, but we want to reassure them that we are taking a zero-tolerance approach to tackling this form of anti-social behaviour."

 Anyone wanting to report an incident of crime or anti-social behaviour should call Gwent Police on 101.

If anyone would like to offer information to Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team, or to receive advice on legislation relating to the use of off-road vehicles, please send an email to [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01495 233917.