Residents whose lives are blighted by illegal mini motorbikes are hoping to get some relief after police launched a crackdown on the riders.

Officers have stepped up patrols in Hillingdon Avenue and Cranford Avenue in Stanwell, Town Lane Recreation Ground and Stanwell Moor following recent reports of incidents there.

John Lear, 75, who lives in Hithermoor Road and is a member of Stanwell Residents' Association, said the riding of motorbikes on footpaths and bridleways was a real problem.

The Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team officers in Stanwell and Ashford are now regularly carrying out stop checks on riders who are using their bikes in public places to see whether they have a licence, vehicle tax or are taking any safety precautions such as wearing a helmet or appropriate clothing.

Police have said that as a result of the new, tougher attitude, riders who are stopped by for antisocial use of their bikes will receive an official warning.

If they are stopped again for the same offence at any point within the following 12 months officers have the power to seize the bike and, depending on the nature of the offence, the rider could face criminal charges.

Andrew McLuskey, 60, of Diamedes Avenue, Stanwell, praised the police on the crackdown, and said it was already leading to improvements.

However Mr Lear was unconvinced and said: "I welcome the new measures, but only if they are implemented properly.

"At the moment the police often give riders a polite slap on the wrist, and let them go off and do it again. The law as it stands is simply ignored."

Anyone who has witnessed illegal mini motorbike riding should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.