Concerned residents are regularly calling the police about mini-motos damaging crops and worrying cattle in Maple Cross and Mill End.

Mini-motos include motorised scooters, go-peds, and scrambler bikes and police said these as miniature, petrol-driven motorcycles and scooters can reach speeds of up to 60 miles an hour.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said they "regularly" get calls from residents in Mill End and Maple Cross about mini-motos and dirt bikes being ridden over farm land, causing damage to crops and worrying cattle.

But officers are warning residents that it is illegal to ride mini motorbikes on the road without tax and insurance and say it is illegal to ride them in public parks, open spaces, paths or bridleways.

PC Christian Gottman of the Rickmansworth and District Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Residents have raised this issue as a concern to us and we will work hard to tackle the problem. 

"We know that Christmas is typically a time when parents may consider purchasing these vehicles for their children which is why we are reminding them of the law surrounding them, where they can and cannot be ridden and to ensure it is taxed and insured.

"Essentially, it is illegal to use a mini-moto in public parks, open spaces, or on footpaths, pavements, cycle routes and bridleways. If you are under 16 the only place that you can ride a mini-moto is on private land but you must have the permission of the land owner."

Officers said that when these bikes are used wrongly, they can disturb a community, damage the environment and put people’s safety at risk.

But the Rickmansworth and District Safer Neighbourhood Team said they are carrying out regular patrols in the area and are issuing warnings to owners if they riding their bikes illegally or gangeriously.

Police do have the power to confiscate and crush the bikes.