Police are targetting youngsters on quad bikes after a report of a four-year-old driving one in a dangerous and anti-social way.

The sighting of the high speed tot is one of the reasons that the quad bikers have moved to the top of the police hit list in the Hook Road and Longmead area of Epsom.

During the last three weeks officers have received complaints from residents of motorbikes and quad bikes being driven antisocially in Melton Fields and the surrounding area, putting people at risk and causing distress and annoyance to the local community.

Police warn that they have the powers to seize vehicles owned by offenders.

The issue of antisocial and illegal driving was first brought to officers’ attention back in February when a 13-year-old was seen on the bike close to Melton Fields carrying a pillion passenger.

As a result, extra high visibility patrols were carried out in the area by the targeted patrol team and the Longmead safer neighbourhood team.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Shane Craven said: “We have received a number of complaints from members of the community about quad bikes being used on fields and footpaths in the Longmead and Hook Road area, on one occasion a child as young as four was believed to be on a quad bike.

“It is both unsafe and illegal to ride quad bikes or drive mini-motorcycles in any public space. Driving these vehicles on the fields, bridal way and footpaths is antisocial, intimidating and dangerous.

"The community should not have to put up with this recklessness.

“I am appealing to members of community to help us by continuing to report incidents to the police.

"We will not hesitate to use the powers available to us to deal with the concerns and if people are going to break the law, they should be aware that we will take action and owners face having their vehicles seized.”

To get a vehicle back after it has been seized there is a £150 recovery fee, plus £20 a day for every day it is in storage.

If the owner disclaims the vehicle, or does not pay within 14 days, it will either be sold or crushed.

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