Police are appealing for information from the public following the alleged dangerous riding of unregistered trail bikes in the Hunter region last week.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District are investigating reports that six unregistered trail bikes were being ridden dangerously between 6pm and 7.30pm last Thursday (22 October 2026), near the intersection of Mitchell Drive and Stronach Avenue, East Maitland.
Police attended the location and officers encountered a complex and dynamic situation involving a large number of riders, many engaging in dangerous behaviour and attempting to evade or provoke police.
An investigation into the incident has commenced and officers are appealing for anyone with information including CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Port Stephens-Hunter PD commander, Acting Superintendent Lisa Jones, said when faced with circumstances such as these, police have to balance enforcement with the risk of potential harm or intimidation by members of the public, especially when riders are riding at speed or dangerously.
“Police would like to remind members of the public that encouraging dangerous riding for social media attention – including stunts or weaving through traffic – is reckless and can have serious even – potentially – fatal consequences,” Supt Jones said.
“There have been incidents in recent weeks elsewhere in NSW where members of the public have been injured by riders acting irresponsibly, and we know it can make people feel threatened and frightened.
“This behaviour is not acceptable, and we are calling on anyone with information about the incident to speak with police, and help us to identify and investigate those responsible, and take appropriate action.
“We need the community’s help by providing information, mobile phone vision, CCTV or dashcam footage of relevant incidents, times, dates, places to let us do our job to protect our community. We are in the process of formulating strategies to target this type of behaviour with operations planned in the future.” Supt Jones said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
