POLICE patrolled wasteland and parks on quad bikes as officers went on the offensive against scrambler riders who are making the lives of neighbours across the town a misery.

The three-day Operation Scrambler saw police target areas where off-road bikers have been causing chaos.

It resulted in eight vehicles being removed from the streets, six warning notices fired out, and 11 people being fined. A 23-year-old man was also charged with a public order offence.

Neighbourhood police are using quads because they help officers track down offenders in farmland and parks, areas which normal patrols can often struggle to reach.

Police focus centred on hot-spot areas such as Nook Lane, Spinners Drive, Watery Lane, Bold Heath, Gaskell Park, New Bold, Farm Road, Farm Close and the former Sutton Manor Colliery.

Neighbourhood Inspector Claire Richards warned troublemakers: "Merseyside Police will be taking a zero tolerance policy towards these riders, with Operation Scrambler aiming to take as many illegal riders off our roads and parks as possible.

"We will particularly be using powers granted to us last year to remove bikes and vehicles which are being used anti-socially."

Anyone with information about illegal bikers can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.