Riverina Police have had a successful crackdown on dirt bike use. Photo: NSW Police.
Riverina Highway Patrol has launched a crackdown on unregistered dirt bikes and traffic offences across Wagga Wagga, with police commencing proceedings against five males over a total of 55 alleged offences.
The investigations follow a significant increase in dirt bike and traffic-related offences over the past six months, attracting considerable attention from the community, media and local government.
Police said information, footage and reports provided by members of the public had helped identify a number of alleged offenders, with extensive investigations – including social media enquiries – used to gather evidence.
The 55 alleged offences include disqualified, cancelled and unlicensed riding and driving, burnouts, driving in a manner dangerous, negligent driving and exceeding the speed limit.
Riders who held licences have also had them suspended.
One of the five males was refused bail, while the remaining matters have been dealt with by the courts, with some of the accused granted bail subject to conditions.
All five males are scheduled to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court at a later date.
Police said they understood the frustration the alleged offences caused within the community and thanked those who had reported incidents and provided information.
While the investigations could be complex and time-consuming, police said road safety remained a priority and all reports were taken seriously.
Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving or illegal riding activity is urged to continue reporting it to police.
Police said information from the community played a vital role in helping keep roads safe and holding offenders accountable.
The crackdown comes as the push for police drones to tackle Wagga’s illegal motorbike problem gathers pace.
Wagga MP Joe McGirr has called for the city to become a trial site for police drone technology, building on an earlier proposal from Wagga councillor Richard Foley to use drones to track riders and assist police pursuits.
Dr McGirr has argued drones could give police a safer way to track riders without putting officers at risk in high-speed pursuits.
