POLICE today unveiled their latest weapon in the battle to stamp out problem bikers on Portland.

Traffic officers are swapping their squad cars for off-road bikes in a bid to catch nuisance youths who are causing havoc in the quarries and at beauty spots.

The force has acted following complaints from families who say they are frequently run off footpaths by scrambler bikes.

And in the new squad's first major action at the weekend 10 riders were warned about their behaviour and a 19-year-old-man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motorcycle.

Many of the targeted riders may be contravening road traffic laws by not seeking permission from the landowner and not possessing the proper documents for their bikes, police believe.

The motorcycling bobbies, riding Honda XR400 off-road bikes, are armed with a new piece of legislation.

The Police Reform Act, introduced earlier this year, gives police the power to confiscate vehicles if they believe the driver is being reckless.

Offenders are first given a warning which lasts for 12 months. If they are caught again their vehicle is immediately seiz-ed and impounded and the owner must pay a £120 recovery char-ge as well as a £12 fee for every day the vehicle is locked up.

If the vehicle is not collected within 21 days it will be either crushed or sold.

Insp Tony Rudd, who is responsible for policing on Portland and the West Weymouth section, said: "Riding on the footpaths is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk. We have had reports of some very near misses in the quarries.

"This sort of activity is unlawful and police intend to take firm action including invoking a section of the law which gives us power to seize vehicles.

"We hope this piece of legislation will be successful in cutting down on this type of behaviour which is at best anti-social and downright dangerous at worst."

Insp Rudd said police were working with community groups to identify a piece of land that could be made available for off-road biking.

Officers will also be keeping an eye on Curtis Field and the Rodwell Trail in Weymouth - identified problem areas.

PC Phil Billington, one of the motorcycling policemen, said: "We could issue fines in the past but the majority of people we speak to are under 16 and cannot be fined."