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More than 50 illegal off-road vehicles, including motorbikes and quadbikes, were seized in Caerphilly County Borough last year by Gwent Police

The 54 vehicles were seized as part of Operation Harley. Since it began 135 vehicles have been taken by officers across Gwent.

Police are targeting off-road vehicles which damage land, disturb communities, and are a danger to other road users and pedestrians.

Riders have either received warnings, been reported for driving without insurance or a licence, or made to pay to get their vehicles back.

Inspector Aled George, of Gwent Police, said: “It’s important people know of the consequences and that we will seize vehicles wherever possible.

“But the operation isn’t just about taking these vehicles away from those who ride them irresponsibly. It’s also about discouraging people from doing it in the first place, making it less socially acceptable and encouraging communities to share intelligence when these vehicles are being used.

“By doing so, you are helping to protect land and wildlife, and make our roads safer.”

However, Insp George added: “There are a small number of legal green lane routes in the area, and we’d encourage riders to find out more about which routes are available.”

Peter Cloke, Land Management Team Leader at Natural Resources Wales, said: “Illegal off-road vehicles cause considerable damage to our woodlands and forests, stopping people from enjoying their local countryside.

“It can have far-reaching consequences for the environment, damaging trees, streams, paths and special features of the landscape, as well as disturbing sensitive habitats for our wildlife, causing destruction that might take years to repair, if repair is possible at all.”

Before Christmas, Islwyn MP Chris Evans presented a petition to Parliament, signed by more than 100 Abercarn residents, calling for stronger action against illegal off-road bikers.

Mr Evans collected the signatures after residents raised concerns over the issue at the Gwyddon Forestry in Abercarn.

The MP said the issue has been “increasing every year” and said illegal off-road vehicles were “tearing up our beautiful landscape”.

He added: “At the moment bikes do not have to be registered and this makes it extremely difficult for the police to identify and punish those causing problems.

“I hope the presentation of this petition to Parliament will be the first step in tackling this issue.”