ACTION has been taken against more than 150 people as part of a crackdown on anti-social and dangerous off-road motorbike and quad bike riding.

Since the end of November, the crackdown has resulted in nine arrests, 46 people being reported for careless driving, 31 people being dealt with for having no insurance and a further 27 for driving without a licence.

A further 59 people have had warnings issued for riding in an anti-social manner.

Essex Police first launched Operation Caesar last year with the support of funding from Thurrock Council to help tackle the issue.

Thurrock Council leader, Rob Gledhill said: “We have seen a significant increase in off-road motorbikes and quadbikes being driven in an anti-social and often dangerous way in Thurrock in recent years, particularly during the warmer summer months.

“A new joint strategy was agreed with Essex Police last summer, supported by almost £40,000 of funding we have invested in helping tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough in the last two years, and I am delighted we are seeing some really positive results.

“Thanks to increased patrols, tough enforcement action and work to prevent hotspot areas from being used for this nuisance behaviour, there was a 35% reduction in nuisance vehicles reported in the first quarter of 2019/20.

“We will continue to work closely with the police to protect our communities from anti-social behaviour and ensure Thurrock remains a great place to live and work.”

Chief Inspector Claire Talbot, District Commander for Thurrock, said: “I am really pleased to see the positive impact that this operation has had and continues to have on reducing the nuisance and anti-social behaviour caused by off-road motorbikes in Thurrock.”

Anyone with information on the issue can contact 101.