Police seize eight dirt bikes after spike in driving offences

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Police have impounded eight dirt bikes after a spate of dangerous driving in Manukau and Bucklands Beach.

Counties Manukau police have issued a warning to dirt bike riders to exercise caution after three separate incidents.

Three dirt bikes and two road bikes were seized on Sunday after people reported a group of riders hitting Musick Point in Bucklands Beach.

When police arrived on the scene, some riders dumped their bikes in the bushes and fled on foot.

Officers found five bikes, one of them stolen, with the help of from Howick Golf Course players and members of the community.

A young person was stopped at the scene and police enquiries are ongoing to identify the other bikers.

On Friday, police confiscated a quad bike after it was seen ripping up turf at Walter Massey Park.

The incident was reported to the council and more action is likely, police said.

On February 16, a quad bike rider without a helmet was injured after he crashed in Yates Rd, Mangere.

Police found a man with significant injuries being treated by ambulance staff at a house nearby.

Officers impounded two bikes from the address and said charges are likely.

People have reported dirt bikers getting injured after crashing into cars in Otara and Mangere Bridge in the past week.

During one incident, a male cyclist without a helmet drove through a red light in Otara and smashed into another vehicle, police said.

He suffered moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.

Counties Manukau policing manager inspector Kay Lane said it is only a matter of time before one of the riders is killed.

“In general these dirt bike riders show little regard for their own safety or the safety of those around them on the roads," Lane said.

“We are continuing to see riders put themselves and other motorists in significant danger by driving recklessly, carrying out dangerous stunts and failing to wear helmets.

Police are appealing to the bikers to stop putting themselves and other road users at risk.

"It may seem like fun until one of your mates is seriously hurt," said Lane.

It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration, police said.

Anyone riding a bike with an engine capacity above 50cc must have a motorbike licence.

Police are calling on parents and family members to make sure the bikers, some of them youths, are driving safely and wearing helmets.

“The last thing we want is to have to knock on your door and tell you that your loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a crash," Lane said.

Investigations are continuing into the Waitangi Day mass cavalcade of 170 bikes as officers review CCTV footage.

If you have footage of dirt bike riders driving dangerously, you can upload it here: dirtbike.nzpolice.org...

Email DL_CMSCU@police.govt.nz or call 105 with any information.

You can also phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Have you seen dirt bike riders behaving badly in your neighbourhood?

What have you seen?

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Photographer: Robyn Edie: Dirt Bike Riders (file photo)