POLICE dogs, traffic officers and York's specialist off-road unit are to be used in a huge blitz on moped thefts.

Senior officers believe that Operation Polar could also help drive down anti-social behaviour in the city as many of those involved in the thefts are also thugs and vandals.

They were warned today: "You know who you are, we know who you are you had better watch your backs."

And moped owners were urged to use security locks to ensure they are not the next victim.

Moped theft is one of the most common crimes in York, with one machine being stolen each day, on average.

Inspector Ken Gill, commander of York's west side where the operation is being carried out and where half the thefts occur, said officers would swamp the area to make sure no moped thieves slipped through the net.

"There is a hard-core of individuals we believe to be responsible and they are being targeted as we speak," he said.

"The off-road unit, traffic officers, dog section and officers from outside the area are being brought in and will carry out stop checks on suspects, and some of these youths will find themselves before magistrates facing anti-social behaviour orders."

Insp Gill added the rising sales of mopeds were creating rich pickings for thieves and urged owners to invest in security locks.

"A £30 lock will secure your £1,500 investment," he said.

*Miles Kingsport Motorcycles, in Holgate Road, is offering free security advice to moped owners.