Dirt bike ratbags thwarted by cops

Police have seized three dirt bikes during two separate incidents in south Auckland this week.

On Wednesday afternoon, police responded to reports of dirt bikes being ridden dangerously along Springs Road, Otara.

The riders were allegedly attempting to block the road, says Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, Counties Manukau East Police.

“One of the riders allegedly hit a member of the public’s vehicle and his front wheel has buckled and caused him to fall off the bike. Witnesses reported that the other riders present have then ridden around the vehicle trying to intimidate the driver.”

With the help of the Eagle police helicopter the group was quickly located.

“Our eyes in the sky were able to track one rider to an address in Heron Place, Pakuranga Heights where he was taken into custody and his bike seized. The damaged bike has also been seized,” Cornish says.

“Officers completed a number of follow up enquiries however we are yet to locate the victim in this matter.”

Cornish has requested that the victim, or anyone with more information about the rider, should contact police.

On Thursday, another incident was reported involving a dirt bike rider travelling in a dangerous manner on Gilbert Road, Cornish confirms.

“Staff arrived quickly and located the rider on Alexander Crescent and he was swiftly taken into custody and his bike seized. He is now facing a range of charges including dangerous driving and possession of methamphetamine.”

Timely reporting by the public proved important in both incidents, Cornish adds.

“We want to thank the community for assisting with our enquiries and continue to encourage people to report anti-social motorcycle riding,” he says. “This is a reminder that it is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration.”