Police in Bicester have warned criminals there is nowhere left to hide after they took delivery of eight new mountain bikes.

Officers said the bikes meant they could chase suspected criminals down footpaths, through alleyways and across parks - opening up areas hard to access on foot or in a patrol car.

And they said the bikes had already helped them catch groups of vandals and under-age drinkers.

Area beat officer Geoff Wheeler said he and colleague Richie Iwanoff used the bikes to catch a gang of vandals on Bicester's Glory Farm estate a couple of weeks ago.

Mr Wheeler said: "There was a strong smell of aerosol paint - if we had been in a car we would not have smelled it.

"Out popped a group of lads from the ditch and they ran. Because we were on the bikes we caught up with them in an alleyway and caught them in the act."

Insp Oliver Wright said: "The bikes are much better for getting around the town more quickly. Officers are much more visible on a bike.

"Not only can you get to incidents quickly - often more quickly than a car because you can use cycle tracks - but really their main benefit is that they are a really useful tool for sneaking up on criminals and catching them.

"We are finding that previously inaccessible places are patrolled much more these days. Criminals, those committing antisocial behaviour, and underage drinkers are finding their little dens are not quite so safe any more.

"At Pingle Field we managed to get on top of groups and get alcohol off them before they realised we were on to them."

Area beat officers Matt Jenkins and Nicki Entwistle campaigned for the new bikes, which are worth about £700 each, and sought sponsorship from Bicester Village and Fresh Direct to pay for them.

Pc Entwistle said: "I have lost count of the number of comments we have had. The youth of Bicester are learning that we have got the bikes. They are not quite so happy because we are seizing their alcohol."

PcJenkins said all the officers would like to thank Bicester Village and Fresh Direct, which is based in Charbridge Way, Bicester, for their sponsorship.

He added the bikes, which were delivered a couple of months ago, had also increased the physical fitness of several officers.

Bicester Village spokesman Miranda Markham said: "We have an excellent relationship with the local police and we are delighted to help."

Adam Isted, Fresh Direct's trading director, added: "We support the local community and are happy to give something back."