Dirt bikers ordered off road

Reckless dirt bike riders have been ordered off the road and at least one bike impounded as police crack down on illegal behaviour during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Counties Manukau police said yesterday they’d stopped nine people on dirt bikes in Aorere Park in Ma¯ngere East last week.

“Eight of the bikes have been ordered off the road. One of the bikes had previously been ordered off the road and has now been impounded. Police have forbidden each person from riding. There are serious consequences if they are caught breaching this,” read a police Facebook post.

Other motorbikes had also been found to be stolen during the crackdown.

“During alert level 4, each of these riders had no essential reason to be on their bikes and were breaching these restrictions.”

Under the month-long level 4 lockdown, people must stay home unless they’re doing essential work, visiting essential services or taking a walk, scoot or cycle in their own neighbourhood.

Police had received a lot of information from the community about illegal dirt bike activity in recent weeks.

A young Hamilton dirt bike rider was referred to Youth Aid and had their motorbike confiscated by police for dangerous riding in a public place during the lockdown.

The rider, who wore no protective gear, was spotted riding circles in Norrie St, Bader, by Constable Tom Pearse on April 7, Hamilton city area commander Inspector Andrea McBeth said.

“Constable Pearse attempted to stop the rider, who fled and nearly hit an oncoming vehicle before riding on the footpath and into a local park.”

Neighbourhood inquiries later identified the rider before a search warrant was acted upon.

In a video posted to Facebook yesterday, Sergeant Vinny Stephney, of O¯ ta¯huhu, said police were grateful to the community for all the “great information as to where our dirt bike and quad bike issue is coming from in the Counties Manukau district”.