UNDERAGE motorcyclists, including one 12-year-old boy, have been caught on Southampton’s roads as part of a police crackdown.

Almost a dozen riders were caught by officers during a five-month period last year.

Of the ten stopped, four were under the legal age to ride a moped, with ages ranging from 12 to 15.

Only one person stopped from the ten was over the age of 19.

Several of the drivers were found to have no insurance, no licence, or the right protective clothing.

Officers from Millbrook have been carrying out Operation Torque on Southampton’s roads since last summer.

The clampdown on nuisance behaviour has resulted in ten bike seizures and seen officers issue several warnings and summons to riders.

Coxford ward councillor Don Thomas has blasted the illegal riders and said their actions are “putting lives at risk”.

Mr Thomas added: “Residents living in Coxford, Aldermoor, Lordshill and Lordswood have been made miserable by these illegal riders screeching down their roads. 

“Myself and fellow councillors Tammy Thomas and Keith Morrell have held many meetings with the police and this problem has got to be one of the most difficult to solve for our local officers. 

“Not only is it a nuisance for the residents, but young illegal riders are putting their own and other motorists’ lives at risk.

“My advice for residents is to find out where these bikes are being stored or, if it’s safe to do so, take a photo of these illegal riders in the act and I will pass them on to the police.

“These motorbikes must be stored somewhere, and if we can find out where, it would greatly assist police in cracking down on the issue.”

The 12-year-old boy was caught last October riding an off-road motorbike on Sandpiper Road, in Lordswood.

Police gave the youngster an anti-social behaviour warning.

More recently, police caught a teenage rider in Southampton following several complaints from residents.

Calls were made from Kendall Avenue, Atherfield Road, Fairisle Road, Seafield Road and Rownhams Road.

The 16-year-old was stopped by officers earlier this week near Olive Road, in Maybush.

He was found riding a scrambler bike without insurance, license, or helmet.

PC Simon Peacock, of Coxford, Redbridge and Millbrook’s local policing team, said: “Scrambler bikes like these are often ridden dangerously and the rider more often than not, is riding without protective headgear, licence or insurance.”

PC Peacock added: “We continue to ask local residents to report any nuisance riders to us via 101.

“We would like to hear from anyone who feel they can name, film or photograph riders where possible.”