An underage rider causing a nuisance in a Keighley residential area had their off-road bike seized by police, and it has led to a warning that teenage offenders could be banned from driving before they are even old enough to hold a licence.

A recent police patrol responding to reports of anti-social behaviour in the Braithwaite area led to a 15-year-old having their bike taken away.

The bike was seized by members of Keighley’s Neighbour-hood Policing Team on Tuesday.

Riders of off-road vehicles need to be over 16, hold a driving licence for that class of vehicle and must have it taxed, insured, display number plates and comply with construction and use regulations.

A spokesman for the police team said: “During these patrols a green Kawasaki was sighted on Coronation Way. Later the off-road bikes were spotted and more heard down near the river near the Tin Bridge. From there officers managed to do their best ‘pincer’ movement from both areas to find the bike.

“This resulted in a 15-year-old boy from Braithwaite having the green Kawasaki trials bike he was riding seized. An 18-year-old boy from North Dean Avenue who was with him was issued with a Section 59 warning. This means if he is seen riding an off-road bike again the bike will be seized whether it is his or not.

“The onset of warmer weather can often mean an increase in reports of nuisance behaviour and we will be focusing our resources on this issue.

“We need all the information we can get from the public to be able to effectively tackle this.

“Some people may think riding them off-road is the answer, but what they do not realise is that a road includes the pavements, verges, footpaths and bridleways.

“What some of the riders are unaware of is that they can commit road traffic offences which can result in them being banned before they even hold a licence.”