A POLICE operation in Thurrock to tackle rogue bike riders has contributed to a 54 per cent decrease in antisocial behaviour it has been reported.

Six weeks ago Essex Police announced the latest phase of Operation Caesar (an overaching project launched in 2018), to tackle nuisance bikers and off-roaders and is exceeding expectations councillors on Thurrock's cleaner, greener overview and scrutiny committee heard.

Insp Terry Fisher updated members on operations throughout the borough which are tackling gang crime and antisocial behaviour.

This included Essex Police and Thurrock Council buying two quad bikes to combat anti-social motorcycling.

Bikers had been using the borough's green spaces and illegally accessing private land to ride their bikes, turning formerly peaceful areas into racetracks and subjecting local residents to the drone of excessive engine noise.

Insp Fisher said: "We have already had some really good success with Operation Caesar this year. Our target was to issue 30 warnings to off road vehicles used in Thurrock by the end of the year and we've smashed through that target considerably.

"We've already issued 71 to date. The aim is to get 100 and I think with the implementation of the quad bikes being used by my officers that it's not only going to assist in community confidence but it will allow us to hold those to account who think it's ok to drive in the manner they do continually on our green belt land."

Committee chairman Cllr Joycelyn Redsell, said: "I have got to thank you because Operation Caesar is definitely working. It's really good. I as a councillor haven't had many complaints at all. Actually I don't think I've had any in the last six weeks which is brilliant. This is a good thing that has worked."

Insp Fisher added: "The main headline for Thurrock is that antisocial behaviour is down 54.2 per cent The main indicator for antisocial behaviour was on and off-road vehicle nuisance."

Officers on quads will continue to frequent locations across the borough known to be popular with the riders. Previously, many of these areas would only be accessible on foot, which seriously compromised officers' ability to catch offenders.