Police seize eight dirt bikes after spike in driving offences
Police have impounded eight dirt bikes after a spate of dangerous driving in Manukau and Bucklands Beach.
Counties Manukau police have issued a warning to dirt bike riders to exercise caution after three separate incidents.
Three dirt bikes and two road bikes were seized on Sunday after people reported a group of riders hitting Musick Point in Bucklands Beach.
When police arrived on the scene, some riders dumped their bikes in the bushes and fled on foot.
Officers found five bikes, one of them stolen, with the help of from Howick Golf Course players and members of the community.
A young person was stopped at the scene and police enquiries are ongoing to identify the other bikers.
On Friday, police confiscated a quad bike after it was seen ripping up turf at Walter Massey Park.
The incident was reported to the council and more action is likely, police said.
On February 16, a quad bike rider without a helmet was injured after he crashed in Yates Rd, Mangere.
Police found a man with significant injuries being treated by ambulance staff at a house nearby.
Officers impounded two bikes from the address and said charges are likely.
People have reported dirt bikers getting injured after crashing into cars in Otara and Mangere Bridge in the past week.
During one incident, a male cyclist without a helmet drove through a red light in Otara and smashed into another vehicle, police said.
He suffered moderate injuries and was taken to hospital.
Counties Manukau policing manager inspector Kay Lane said it is only a matter of time before one of the riders is killed.
“In general these dirt bike riders show little regard for their own safety or the safety of those around them on the roads," Lane said.
“We are continuing to see riders put themselves and other motorists in significant danger by driving recklessly, carrying out dangerous stunts and failing to wear helmets.
Police are appealing to the bikers to stop putting themselves and other road users at risk.
"It may seem like fun until one of your mates is seriously hurt," said Lane.
It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration, police said.
Anyone riding a bike with an engine capacity above 50cc must have a motorbike licence.
Police are calling on parents and family members to make sure the bikers, some of them youths, are driving safely and wearing helmets.
“The last thing we want is to have to knock on your door and tell you that your loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a crash," Lane said.
Investigations are continuing into the Waitangi Day mass cavalcade of 170 bikes as officers review CCTV footage.
If you have footage of dirt bike riders driving dangerously, you can upload it here: dirtbike.nzpolice.org...
Email DL_CMSCU@police.govt.nz or call 105 with any information.
You can also phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Have you seen dirt bike riders behaving badly in your neighbourhood?
What have you seen?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Photographer: Robyn Edie: Dirt Bike Riders (file photo)
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Scam phone calls - be vigilant
Police are aware of reports emerging overnight where people have received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Police officer.
The officer will claim to be from a particular department, tell you that you have been a victim of fraud or scam, and begin to try and obtain further financial information from you.
People have been directed to go to the bank and withdraw money for evidence of the scam.
This is a scam – no legitimate Police officer will ever ask you to hand over money for any reason.
Overnight we have had five instances of this being reported, people need to be vigilant.
Enquiries into reports of scams of a similar nature received last week remain ongoing.
We appreciate these scammers are convincing, but New Zealand Police will never contact you and ask you to withdraw money. New Zealand Police will also never contact people seeking their banking details, card numbers, PIN or passwords.
Older members of our community are being targeted and Police urge anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives to make them aware this activity is a scam.
There are instances where legitimate Police officers will contact you as part of their duties.
Remember:
• Police will never ask for details about your bank cards, PIN or passwords over the phone.
• Trust your instincts.
• If something doesn't feel right, or is too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you are uncertain, ask for the officer’s details.
• Hang up, contact 105 and request the officer to contact you.
• Police aren’t in the business of offering prize money.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a scam, please report the matter to Police.
Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check for further information on the Netsafe website: netsafe.org.nz...
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