Hoodlums who bring terror to neighbourhoods by screeching through the streets on off-road bikes will have their vehicles seized by the police if a crusading MP succeeds in changing the law.
Luke Akehurst wants to close a loophole so police will be able to confiscate the bikes even if they are stored in a private home.
He is determined to clamp down on this form of antisocial behaviour which can put lives at risk.
Mr Akehurst, who represents North Durham, told the Sunday Express: “Off-road bikes being driven in a dangerous or anti-social way have been a menace to communities for years.
“Whether they are being ploughed through local parks or speeding up and down pavements, these bikes are not only being used to cause a nuisance but, in some cases, resulting in damage and injuries.
“Police already have the power to seize these bikes – but not if they are being stored in private dwellings.
“It is time we changed the law to close this loophole and send a clear message that there is no hiding place for these bikes and they will be seized if they are driven illegally.”
His call comes as the Government prepares to get tough on people who bring noise and danger to communities with off-road bikes.
Last month, Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson pledged it would “give police the powers they need to swiftly seize dangerous and antisocial off-road vehicles and take them off the streets for good”.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also condemned the harm caused by people using bikes that were not designed to be ridden on roads.
Last month, she said: “Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by anti-social behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates.”
