PARENTS buying mini motorbikes, scooters or quad bikes as gifts for Christmas are being warned they could be fined, arrested and have the presents seized if they are ridden illegally.

The powerful machines are often bought for young people as toys and are likely to be a popular choice this festive season.

But police say that nuisance from the illegal use of off-road motor vehicles is causing problems for communities across Bolton.

They are urging parents to be aware of the law surrounding the machines before they buy them.

A mini motor, scooter or quad bike is classed as a motor vehicle and requires a driving licence, insurance and road tax.

Riding motorcycles and quad bikes off-road is a criminal offence if the rider does not have permission from the person who owns the land.

Police say they also pose dangers to the public, especially to young children in the area, as well as causing noise pollution and damage to the environment.

Last month, specialist off-road police motorcycle riders and Environmental Health Officers carried out Operation Camenca, aimed at cracking down on the illegal use of these vehicles.

During the one-day operation, one machine was seized and one person arrested.

When a bike is seized, the owner has to pay a recovery fee of £105 plus a storage fee of £12 a day. The bike can be destroyed if it is not claimed within 21 days.

Inspector Tony Kenyon, of Bolton police, said: "Young people may be expecting one of these machines for Christmas and many parents are unaware of the law relating to them.

"Some people believe that it is safe to ride on areas such as fields and common land but you need the permission of the land owner so it could prove to be a very expensive gift that could simply not be used.

"Anybody who rides a motorbike in such a way as to cause nuisance or distress is risking having the machine confiscated by police.

"This applies whether the machine is ridden on a public road or on private land. We would ask for the co-operation of young people and parents in this matter, to avoid us having to take enforcement action."

Further operations are planned over the coming weeks.

There have been two fatal accidents involving young boys and motorbikes this year.

John Sheehy, aged 18, died last month after crashing into barriers on a motorbike in Heywood Park, Great Lever.

In May, a 13-year-old mini-motorbike rider was killed after a collision with a car in Leigh.