POLICE have vowed to clamp down on off-road motorcyclists following numerous reports of damage in the Borders.

Officers say bikers have caused distress to livestock, wrecked fences and been abusive to farmers over the past year in the Monynut area of Berwickshire.

And they have now said they will take a "number of days of action" in a bid to stamp out the illegal behaviour.

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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Throughout last year off road motorcycles have been illegally using the Monynut area for riding without the permission of landowners, causing damage to the land and fencing structures along with causing distress to livestock.

"Police have received numerous reports of riders being abusive towards farmers and forestry workers in the area along with reports of vandalism.

Border Telegraph:

"Land owners are repeatedly having to repair fencing to prevent livestock escaping, costing them both money and time.

"Current legislation in Scotland requires riders to have explicit permission from the land owners to ride any motor vehicle or mechanically propelled vehicles on private farm or forestry land.

"Throughout the year, numerous letters were sent to the registered keepers of vehicles attending the area suspected to be involved in the illegal activity of using off-road motorcycles.

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"Despite sending letters to advice against the activity we continue to see motorcyclists attending the area causing damage."

Police Scotland say they have been working with Scottish Borders Council to tackle the issue.

The spokesperson added: "In the coming weeks Police Scotland will undertake a number of days of action in the area and anybody found to be participating in illegal activity may be charged and reported to the procurator fiscal along with having their vehicle seized."