Bay of Plenty Police Warn Illegal Dirt Bike Riding is Putting Lives at Risk

Dangerous dirt bike riding in the Bay of Plenty is endangering lives, police warn, following a nationwide crackdown resulting in arrests, bike seizures, and prison sentences for offenders.

The warning comes as police intensify enforcement across the country, with public reports leading to the identification of riders involved in illegal behaviour, particularly in Rotorua and Taupō.

Bay of Plenty Road Policing Coordinator Senior Sergeant John Stapleford said police had an ongoing operation targeting illegal trail and dirt bike activity, particularly in the Rotorua area.

“Reckless behaviour puts both riders and others in danger,” he said.

"I’ve seen riders not wearing helmets on stolen bikes suffer incredibly serious injuries, and I’ve also seen innocent members of the public hit.”

Stapleford said police encourage reports from the public and assure them that they will hold riders accountable for the safety of everyone.

“One trail bike rider is now spending 15 months in prison as a result of our crackdown.”

Police recently seized a dirt bike and arrested its rider after repeated complaints about dangerous and unlawful riding on Taupō roads.

The enforcement activity is part of a wider national response to complaints about dirt bikes and modified e-bikes being ridden dangerously in public spaces, including roads, footpaths, reserves and shared paths.

Arrests have recently been made in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Eastern District, Bay of Plenty and Wellington.

Police urge anyone witnessing illegal riding to contact the police immediately. IMAGE // New Zealand Police

In Hamilton, police launched “Operation Shear” after reports of riders travelling from Auckland to Hamilton while engaging in dangerous and disruptive behaviour.

Acting Hamilton City Area Commander Senior Sergeant Aimee Whitley said dozens of riders had already faced enforcement action.

“Our team has taken enforcement action against dozens of riders, including arrests, court proceedings and youth justice processes, and we’ve impounded more than 15 dirt bikes for anti-social dirt bike activity in Hamilton.”

Whitley said Police were taking an intelligence-led approach and working with councils and neighbouring districts to identify offenders.

“Anti-social road use places the public, the riders themselves and Police staff at real risk.”

“Operation Shear is about taking a consistent, coordinated approach to disrupt this behaviour and hold those involved accountable,” she said.

In Wellington, Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said public tip-offs were critical.

“We’ve had great results getting reports from people about where dirt bikes are and being able to activate seizure warrants,” she said.

“Sometimes one thing leads to another, and riders face multiple charges.”

“It can be like a jigsaw puzzle, like taking enforcement action related to rider behaviour and often finding stolen bikes.”

Police said riders could face charges for unlawful or dangerous driving, while non-road legal vehicles could be seized or impounded.

They urge anyone witnessing illegal riding to contact the police immediately via 111 if it was happening at the time, or through 105 afterwards. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers.