Police in Dundee have recorded an increase in dirtbike crime, according to one North East councillor.
A week after suspected bikers tore up a section of Caird Park golf course, Labour councillor Brian Gordon has warned of a spike in anti-social behaviour involving off-road motorbikes.
Strathmartine councillor Ian Borthwick recently reported similar concerns, after revealing a female constituent was involved in a near-miss.
Following Mr Borthwick’s revelation, Mr Gordon has moved to urge members of the public to help police trace illegally kept bikes.
“It’s on the rise again,” said Mr Gordon. “I’ve had reports of things going on in Mill o’ Mains.
“Youngsters now maybe have more disposable money than we had when I was younger.
“Their parents possibly think they are doing them (children) a favour by getting them a bike.
“Kids are saying they will be careful and responsible, but when they get on open ground and out of view, they do what they will do.
“They seem to take pride in making as much noise as possible.”
Because police are often unable to pursue problem bikers for safety reasons, Mr Gordon has urged members of the public to help trace bikes which may be owned illegally.
He said: “Police have said reports are on the rise, especially coming into summer.
“The problem is that the police can’t chase them.
“The message is the same — if you report details to police they can take the bike off them if it’s not properly registered or if the rider is not qualified.”
Police Scotland has launched Operation Challenge in response to complaints.
A force spokesman said: “Operation Challenge has been running for a number of years and is a multi-agency response targeted at individuals who cause a nuisance and a danger within their communities through the anti-social and illegal use of motorbikes and similar vehicles.
“We have support from the Dundee Community Safety Partnership and working together, we undertake intelligence gathering, patrolling of hotspot areas and diversionary work through school inputs.”