Both Great Yarmouth in Norfolk and Clacton in Essex have had problems with so-called "boy racers" in the past.

Police can now confiscate cars immediately, and motorists will have to pay up to £350 to retrieve their vehicles.

Home Office Minister John Denham said: "Joyriding and anti-social use of cars and motorbikes blight local communities, causing misery and distress to people going about their daily lives.

"We are determined to deal with this growing problem by giving police and community officers radical powers to seize vehicles being driven recklessly."

The new legislation under the Police Reform Act 2002 came into force on New Year's Day.