Officers from Bilston Neighbourhood Team, joined forces with the Road Harm Prevention Team and interceptors from the Traffic Unit for the targeted activity around the Bilston area and Weddell Wynd last week.

During the operation 2 motorbikes were spotted in convoy, one suspected stolen and displaying no registration plates.

With support from the National Police Air Service, officers brought one of the bikes to a stop on Church Street and detained the rider, who was 15.

The second bike, which had been reported stolen the day before, tried to evade the team by riding the wrong way down a road and onto a footpath at speed before being abandoned.

The rider tried to run off but a man was soon detained by officers.

A 25 year old has since been charged with driving whilst disqualified, driving without due care and attention, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, failing to stop, possession of cannabis. The 15 year old has been bailed as enquiries continue.

A third illegal bike was also seized during the operation and as with all the bikes we seize on operations like this, once checks and examinations have been completed, they will be crushed.

Police work tackling this sort of anti-social behaviour with illegal bikes causing nuisance and potentially being a danger to others, is supported by partners including the council.

Bilston and East Park Inspector Emma Clark, who oversees Wolverhampton’s dedicated operation targeting off road bikes, OpDriftcloud, said: “This is yet more focussed police activity to detain those who ride these bikes in space and spaces they should not be in, and in a manner that we know causes concern for many people.

"We are getting these bikes off our streets and out of our open spaces so our public places can be enjoyed by everyone, safely and in peace."

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We know the misuse of off road bikes can cause significant distress to residents and put people at risk, which is why we remain committed to working closely with colleagues from West Midlands Police to tackle the issue and hold those responsible to account.

"We would also encourage anyone who witnesses offences or has information about offenders to report it to the police, as information from the public plays a vital role in helping the authorities to take action and keep our communities safe.”

People who see something suspicious are asked to contact police by calling 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to stay anonymous.