Concerns about a group of young people wearing balaclava masks prompted police to respond in an Oxfordshire town.

The event took place on Thursday afternoon, March 19, in Banbury, after members of the public reported anti-social behaviour to Thames Valley Police.

Authorities dispatched officers to the location, where they took multiple youths into custody and confiscated a bicycle, which will now be disposed of.

A police representative stated that officers had been alerted to reports of young people in balaclavas engaging in anti-social conduct throughout the neighbourhood, with one individual operating an unregistered and uninsured dirt bike.

Officers arrived promptly and managed to safely corner the bicycle. The vehicle has since been confiscated and will be destroyed.

The remaining young people were apprehended, with officers exercising their Stop and Search authority based on concerns arising from their conduct.

The representative noted that such behaviour ranks among the neighbourhood team’s key priorities and expressed commitment to taking decisive measures.

The message is clear that riding that is both illegal and hazardous will not be permitted.