Counties Manukau Police have impounded multiple motorcycles after they were recently ridden in an unsafe manner at different locations in east and south Auckland.
Police say they’ve seen an increase of such reports, with eight bikes impounded last week in three separate incidents in the district.
Three dirt bikes and two road bikes were impounded following a report of a group of riders travelling around Musick Point in Bucklands Beach on February 21.
Some of the riders dumped their bikes in the bush when police arrived and fled on foot.
With assistance from golfers at the Howick Golf Club and members of the public, police located and seized five bikes, one of which was stolen.
Police say a youth was apprehended at the scene and enquiries are ongoing to identify the other riders involved.
There have also been numerous incidents of dirt or quad bike riders being involved in crashes.
Counties Manukau road policing manager, Inspector Kay Lane, says “it’s only a matter of time before one of these 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.
“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.
“We are appealing to these riders to stop putting themselves and other road users at risk.
“It may seem like fun until one of your mates is seriously hurt.”
Lane says it’s illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it’s roadworthy with a current warrant of fitness and registration.
Riding a bike with an engine capacity above 50cc requires a motorbike licence, she says.
Police are also continuing to investigate a mass ride that took place across the city, including in east Auckland, on Waitangi Day which caused “significant travel disruption”.
Officers are reviewing dozens of hours of CCTV footage of the bike ride.
Lane says 170 vehicles have been identified as taking part in the ride and police are continuing to identify those riders and vehicles involved in traffic offences with a view to taking action.
“We want to hear from family members or neighbours who can provide information about the identity of these riders and or the properties where these bikes are located.
“Police will continue to seize and impound illegal road and dirt bikes and take follow up action against those responsible for offending.”
Police ask people with footage of dirt bike riders offending on the roads to upload it online at https://dirtbike.nzpolice.org/
Anyone with information about the identity of the riders involved, or addresses where the dirt bikes are located, can email DL_CMSCU@police.govt.nz or phone 105.
Alternatively, phone the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.
