Police call for community support to identify trail bike riders

Constable William Quinney said he was working with the community to identify trail bike riders in response to complaints about noise, safety and property damage.

He said while the issue was not confined to one location, Ravenswood Heights Primary School oval had become a hotspot for the illegal activity.

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A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the school had received damage to fences caused by people riding bikes on school grounds, and were working with police to identify the riders.

Constable Quinney said police had not recorded any deaths or injuries associated with the riders, but concerns had been raised. "The community is very concerned that someone is going to get injured or killed, so we need to speak with the riders and their family before a tragedy occurs," he said.

Starting Point Neighbourhood House manager Nettie Burr said the issue was raised in a recent meeting by residents concerned they could be injured by the riders.

She said the riders posed a danger to the community, as well as themselves, due to a lack of personal protective equipment and the ability to control the bikes.

Constable Quinney said educating the public about how and where trail bikes could be ridden was the first step, but harsher punishments would follow.

"Some of the riders are believed to be teenagers, who do not hold a licence or have registered bikes, so they may not know the laws around riding and trespassing on school or council property," he said.

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He said riders who were identified would be issued a trespass notice for a first offence, with repeat offenders facing legal action.

Ms Burr said she would rather see a program that taught people how to ride the trail bikes so they could work towards obtaining a licence.

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Constable Quinney said he has spoken to several riders, but the community was hesitant to come forward and identify the offenders.

He said the public could provide information through Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

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