Off-road bikers are preventing the public from enjoying open spaces

The force receives up to 700 calls a month from members of the public complaining about off-road motorbikes on common land or school fields.

The number of calls this summer increased by 40% on the same time last year.

On Sunday, 70 police officers using their own off-road bikes carried out a day of action, stopping anyone violating the law.

It was part of an ongoing operation to try to free up green spaces in Kent for the law abiding people who want to use them.

Motorbikes were confiscated from repeat offenders and riders were persuaded to use authorised tracks instead.

Officers issued 93 warnings, seized five machines and recovered four stolen bikes.

Bikers risk fine

One of the locations targeted was Dartford Marshes, which is only yards away from an official motocross track, but is free to use, compared to a cost of �15 a day.

We're tired of the off-road motorcyclists who are ruining the quiet lives of the people of Kent. Jim Barker McArdle, Assistant Chief Constable, Kent Police

Offenders were told by police that if they were spotted riding illegally on common land again, their bike would be seized and detained until a fine of �150 had been paid.

They were also told that in future they should either get the landowner's permission to ride on the site, or attend a recognised meeting.

The Assistant Chief Constable of Kent, Jim Barker McArdle, said the riders had to be clear that they could no longer expect to get away with it.

Police are cracking down on the motorcyclists riding illegally

"The public are tired. We're tired of the large number of off-road motorcyclists who frankly go out day in day out ruining the quiet lives that the people of Kent should be entitled to lead with their families.

"And they're doing the equivalent of sticking two fingers up at the public of Kent. Our view is Operation Freedown is the public of Kent's fight back," he said

The aim of the day-long operation was to send out a strong message, said chairman of the Kent Police Authority, John Palmer.

He said it had made clear the police were intent on "checking on and instilling the reassurance of the public" that the force was aware of anti-social behaviour and would do something about it.

The initiative received the backing of Kent County Council.

Spokesman Alex King said it was imperative that public rights of way, such as bridleways and footpaths, were not used illegally, and that people using them did not risk injury from the off-road bikers.