Petrol scooters are expected to top many children's Christmas lists

Dorset Police say there has been a marked increased in the number of complaints concerning anti-social use of scooters in recent weeks.

Many parents are buying gopeds as gifts for children without realising they should not be used by anyone under 16.

If a vehicle is confiscated it will cost �105 to reclaim it. This fee rises by �12 for every day it is unclaimed.

Insp Adrian King said: "There has recently been an increase in the number of reports concerning anti-social use of mopeds, particularly in the Canford Heath area of Poole.

"We want to make the public aware that we have this confiscation power through recent legislation and we are very prepared to use it."