CALLS to police about illegal off-road bikes have almost halved since the launch of a crackdown in Newport.

The issue of illegal riding of off-road bikes is a problem in several different areas of the city, so neighbourhood police teams have joined together to target riders in the summer months.

The number off calls about off-road bikes across Newport has fallen from 335 from April to June last year to 178 in the same period this year.

The campaign started on April 1 and runs until September. Since the launch, police have seized and destroyed 19 bikes, made four arrests and prosecuted six others.

Police have also issued 20 notices warning people if they are caught driving anti-socially again inside 12 months, officers can seize and destroy their vehicle.

Bettws sergeant John Davies, who is overseeing the operation, said the case of Kyle Bush, 18, who was locked up for six months after pleading guilty to driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and driving without insurance relating to using an off-road bike on the housing estate, shows others how serious it is being taken.

He added: "It's had the desired effect, the response we've had from the public has been brilliant - the problem has reduced considerably across Newport."

Sgt Davies said many people don't realise bikers need a full driving licence, tax, MOT and insurance in order to ride them and they cannot be ridden in parks or residential areas.

To report illegal off-road driving, call 101.