The bikes allow them to access areas police cars cannot go, enabling them to scour its warren-like footpaths for crooks and mini-moto riders.

The move has been made after residents complained that they had nearly been mown down by wreckless mini-moto riders zooming around the footpaths and fields.

Others have said their lives have been blighted by the noise made by the machines.

Pc Stewart said: "The off-road bikes mean we have marvellous cover of the area.

"We have used them in Bretton in the past and they have proved to be very effective.

"It is been interesting to see the public's faces when they spot us riding along."

Sergeant James Sheffield said police will be tough if they catch people riding mini-motos illegally.

He said: "These officers will be focusing on mini-moto riders and anyone causing anti-social behaviour.

"Generally, mini-moto riders have been causing problems in the school fields in Orton Goldhay.

"People need to realise that they need insurance, MOTs, tax, helmets – you name it – when they ride these things in public places."

He said police will confiscate any illegal mini-motos and their owners will have to pay a release fee to get them back, or else they will be crushed.

The off-road bikes are just one initiative taking place during the week of action which is being carried out by police in partnership with other agencies such as Peterborough City Council.

The five day campaign will see action taken to remove fly-tipped waste, graffiti, and untaxed cars.

School truants will also be dealt with.

Since its launch on Monday, police have been executing warrants, and have seized at least five cars.

Today they will be holding a street briefing at Hetley at 6.30pm, and a mobile police station will be situated in Hinchcliffe from 8am until 4pm.

An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) van will also be parked in an undisclosed location in the neighbourhood, checking for stolen, untaxed and uninsured vehicles.

The Orton Goldhay Making a Difference week is the fourth one to be held in the city.

Previous weeks have been held in Orton Malborne, Ravensthorpe and Paston