Police are appealing to the public for any footage of dirt bike riders driving dangerously around Hawke’s Bay.
Staff are continuing to receive complaints of dirt bike riders, including multiple calls over the weekend about bikes being driven on footpaths and supermarket carparks in Napier.
We are making enquiries to identify and locate those involved in this incident and anyone that can assist is encouraged to contact Police.
Most dirt bike owners are responsible and aware they can’t ride their bikes in reserves, sports grounds and on footpaths.
But a few riders are giving the rest a bad reputation.
They are the ones driving at speed through parks, tearing up fields, riding in an anti-social manner and not wearing helmets which not only puts themselves at risk of serious harm, but also members of the community enjoying those public spaces.
Police’s message is clear: If you ride your dirt or off-road bike where you shouldn’t and/or in an anti-social manner, you can expect that we will do everything in our power to firstly identify you and then take appropriate enforcement action which could include seizure/impounding of the bike.
It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration.
Police are becoming increasingly frustrated having to educate dirt bike riders of the responsibilities which should be common sense for anyone with a license.
Those riding illegal bikes on roads and in community spaces can expect to be targeted and prosecuted.
Police cannot be everywhere all the time and we need the public’s assistance to combat this problem.
If you see unlawful dirt bike riding and can do so safely, please try and obtain evidence of the offending (video, photos, a description or known identity of the rider) which will assist Police during the evidence gathering stage.
Anyone with information about the identity of the riders involved or addresses where the dirt bikes are kept can e-mail HBDirtbikes@police.govt.nz or call 105.
If you have been provided with an event number when you ring Police about an incident you may have observed, please use this in any subsequent e-mail.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
