Police are better placed than ever before to stamp out illegal dirt bikes in Melbourne’s west, after taking ownership of a pair of new off-road police motorbikes.
Following ongoing issues with groups riding illegal dirt bikes dangerously, taunting other road users and causing significant damage to parklands and roads, the Westgate Highway Patrol has bolstered its enforcement targeting rogue riders.
The local Highway Patrol recently received two new off-road motorbikes, allowing officers to greater identify and target those illegally riding dirt bikes along streets, parklands, and bike tracks in the western suburbs.
The new off-road police motorbikes compliment local police patrols and operations that are already in place, allowing for greater manoeuvrability and flexibility when deployed.
The new bikes were funded by Wyndham City Council.
While the new off-road bikes are regularly out patrolling to detect and deter offending, police are also seeking public assistance in relation to a recent serious incident in Williams Landing.
The incident, which occurred on 29 July, just after 2pm, involved about 15 people allegedly riding dangerously in front of a police vehicle, including some riding on one wheel.
At the time, police arrested one individual and during the arrest, the group of riders came back and circled police, riding on the wrong side of the road while spraying dirt and rocks on both officers and the police vehicle.
The group continued this activity for about two minutes while two officers arrested the individual, before they rode off from the area. Extra police arrived shortly after.
Two dirt bikes were impounded on the day.
Footage of the alleged incident taken from the police vehicle has been released with the hope that anyone who has information about the identity of the riders can come forward to police.
Anyone with information about illegal dirt bike riding, or anyone who can identify those in the footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
If illegal or dangerous dirt bike riding is happening at the time, contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Quotes attributable to Westgate Police Division, Inspector Jennifer Horgan:
“Riding illegal dirt bikes on our streets and through parks is not just harmless fun – the community and police are rightly sick of it and we are taking action.
“The bikes funded by the Wyndham City Council greatly improve our ability to disrupt illegal dirt bike use and compliment our ongoing patrols and operations targeting this activity.
“Westgate Highway Patrol are regularly targeting illegal dirt bike use in the western suburbs, with support provided from local uniform police and the Air Wing to monitor and track down offenders.
“For those thinking they can ride around our streets in groups while conducting ridiculous behaviour on these bikes – be assured that we will find you, seize your bike and lay charges where appropriate.
“If we don’t get you on the day, know that it is only a matter of time before we come knocking on your door to arrest you and impound your bike.”
