POLICE believe they are getting closer to resolving a nuisance biker problem thanks to help from residents who alert officers immediately.

Over recent months, Canvey residents have been complaining to police that troublesome youths have been riding mopeds on pavements and at the skate park with no concern for their surroundings.

It led to one dad to fear for his children’s lives.

However, police now believe that they are getting to grips with the issue and reports are beginning to fall.

Sgt Mark McQuade, from the Castle Point and Rochford community policing team, said: “We have spoken to three or four families of children who have motorbikes and we think that the reports have dropped off because of that.

“We are having fewer reports at the moment and we think that we have given the right advice to the right people.

“Most of the information sits with our community members - they know who have the bikes.

“It’s difficult for us to follow them so we need the information about who they are.

“Thankfully people have been very helpful so far.”

On Sunday, several members of the public called the community policing team to say that four youths were about to use off-road motorbikes on common land on the island.

Police attended the scene and spoke to the youths, who were not committing any offences when officers turned up.

PC Ian Risden said: “Due to their location, the bikes could not seized at this stage and the owners were given very strong words of advice.

“Their details were taken, along with photographs of the vehicles and the community policing team will be following up enquiries to establish if the bikes have been used in an antisocial manner across the island.

“We are listening and will always act on intelligence received.”

Anyone with information about who the youths are who are responsible for the antisocial behaviour can contact the Castle Point and Rochford community policing team on Essex Police 101.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 to pass on any details.