MINI motorbikes and electric and petrol powered scooters should be no-go areas for parents buying presents for their children this Christmas.

Bexley's Community Safety Partnership has warned the vehicles could end up being crushed if they are used illegally.

They are mostly illegal for use on public roads or on the pavement and can only be used on private land with the permission of the owner.

Even then, they could fall foul of the law if they cause a noise nuisance to neighbours.

In the four months until the end of October, Bexley police gave out 40 warnings to people of all ages using vehicles illegally.

Six were seized. All confiscated vehicles will be destroyed.

They can also be dangerous, reaching speeds of up to 40mph.

Parents are being advised children using any of the machines should be supervised and wear protective clothing and crash helmets.

It is also suggested parents take their children to an approved track the nearest being at Brands Hatch.

Counting cost of misuse

  • When driven in a careless or anti-social manner they can be seized by police under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
  • Riders must be warned by a police officer about their anti-social behaviour before a vehicle is seized.
  • Currently, it costs £120 to get a vehicle back once it has been seized. It has to be claimed back within 28 days or it will be destroyed.
  • Offenders can be prosecuted and can face fines of up to £1,000.
  • They could also receive an £80 fixed penalty notice for disorder.
  • Riders using them on public roads and footpaths can also be prosecuted under traffic laws and receive fines and points on their licence.
  • Evidence from the misuse of such vehicles can also be used in evidence for Acceptable Behaviour contracts and when applying to the court for an anti-social behaviour order.