Police in Barnet are cracking down on illegal mini-moto riders after the recent fine weather saw a resurgance in complaints over the nuisance motorbikes.

Underhill Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is spearheading an operation to reduce the number of the motorbikes on the streets of Underhill ward as well as small sections of Totteridge and Oakleigh wards.

Last year the Home Office introduced measures banning the use of unregistered mini-motos on pavements, in parks, and on public highways. Although marked as toys' the vehicles have loud engines and can reach speeds of up to 60mph.

PC Andrew Wigley of Underhill SNT said: "We have been bombarded with noise complaints this weekend after a quiet spell over the winter months."

Underhill SNT has powers to seize the bikes from offenders on their second warning.

Since last summer, Underhill SNT has seized six bikes and issued 25 warnings.

This latest campaign to crack down on riders will include use of plain clothes officers and CCTV.