A MOTORCYCLIST was arrested after police pursued a vehicle through the streets of Breightmet.

Traffic officers had to chase a driver on a scooter “until he gave up” in Long Lane.

After running checks, officers found the scooter to be reported stolen from Horwich on November 9.

Police tweeted: “The scooter’s power didn’t really match up to 330 police traffic car so the rider just gave up in Long Lane, Breightmet.

“The vehicle was recovered to be reunited with its owner.”

A man was arrested shortly after 3am yesterday for theft of a motor vehicle and taken into custody for questioning.

The incident comes after several complaints have been made on social media about “nuisance” bikers in Horwich.

Residents reported that a group of teenagers on mopeds had stolen a child’s phone in Victoria Road.

Other concerns were raised about a group on motorcycles attempting to steal from a young girl outside Bargain Booze in Winter Hey Lane, Horwich.

And further complaints were made about bikers mounting the pavements and “causing a nuisance” in New Chapel Lane and Chorley New Road.

Calls were also made for police to “come and ram them”.

It comes as GMP confirm they will be prepared to use a controversial ramming technique to stop moped criminals.

The Metropolitan police said they have seen a 36 per cent reduction in thefts involving mopeds or scooters since they adopted the ramming tactic, known as “tactical contact”, last year.

The method has been rolled out across the country after an increase in the number of crimes involving moped louts grabbing people’s phones, watches, bags and other personal items.

Last Monday, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation Ken Marsh called for protection for officers who use “tactical contact” in a high speed chase.

Footage released by the Met show the tactics that specially trained drivers are able to use to reduce the need for pursuits and prevent injury occurring to offenders and members of the public.

It is hoped that by demonstrating the full range of tactics that officers are prepared to use against moped and motorcycle criminals, potential offenders will think twice about their actions.