Police in Greater Leys are cracking down on youths riding motorbikes on pavements around the estate.

Residents contacted the Oxford Mail in April to say motorbikes being ridden on pavements had become a big danger to children.

They said young people on bikes often used paths on a park near Brooklime Walk as a cut-through, despite the park being popular with families.

Last night, members of the Blackbird Leys Neighbourhood Team said they had stepped up patrols and were beginning to see results.

Sgt Rob Axe said: “There were two lads stopped on Brookline Walk riding motorbikes on May 19, one of which was off road.

“Both were issued Section 59 warnings and since then it has been quiet.”

A Section 59 order means that anyone causing nuisance or inconvenience to other road users is given a warning which lasts 12 months. If they are caught driving in a similar way within that year, their vehicle can be seized by police until a penalty is paid.

Other Section 59 orders in the last month have been given to a man riding a mini-moto-style bike around Gillans Park and another riding on pathways in Little Bury.

A moped was also seized from a man who was disqualified from driving and had no MOT or tax.

The police team has increased patrols in the area and are currently on the look-out for two other riders they have been made aware of.

PCSO Barry Sheehan said: “We hope that this great result will urge these individuals and others to reconsider riding through this area on their motorcycles.

“The team will continue with patrols in the area and look at other preventative actions.”

Brooklime Walk resident Nick Snell, 44, told the Oxford Mail in April he was worried someone would be killed unless action was taken.

Last night he said: “It seems to be the same old story of he who shouts the loudest gets things done. I have been speaking to police on a regular basis, they’ve been handing out these notices and they have put up a ‘police operation in progress’ sign.

“And it all seems to be a lot better than it was. We haven’t had any problems in the last few weeks.”

Greater Leys resident Dave Troth was knocked off his feet and his pet dog was blinded in one eye when a young motorcyclist hit them in Greater Leys in 2006.

He said: “Police should be confiscating these bikes straight away because riders are breaking the law and could kill someone.

“They are giving someone a loaded weapon back. If they confiscate the bike, they solve the problem.”