THE nuisance of youngsters riding mini-motorbikes could be at an end - if people come forward to report incidents.

Police say the riders normally under age to ride them, do not wear protective clothing, are uninsured and unlicensed.

Epping-based crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "Quite clearly they're poking two fingers up at the law."

He added: "There is legislation to deal with these nuisances, but we need your help.

"These mini-motorcycles aren't travelling into our villages and estates from Harlow and London. They are ridden by youngsters from local neighbourhoods with the irresponsible permission of parents. As such, in each case, law-abiding residents must know who the riders are and where they live."

That is the information that police want to receive.

"We are not allowed to chase them in case they cause an accident and that seems reasonable. So we can only deal with the riders and the parents if somebody tells us who they are. If you can identify them it is no use moaning about them, you have the ability to get them off your roads and pavements permanently.

Police are stressing that the information on riders can be passed to them without the informant's identity being revealed.

Information can be passed to police, with the informant signing the officer's notebook to confirm the information is correct.

The officer will then go to the rider's home address and inform the parents that the youngster has been reported.

A notice is served under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 which warns that bike will be confiscated if it is seen being ridden illegally again.

To pass on information, ring police on 01992 561212.