Bridgewater Police and the Eastern Public Order Response Team have recently been conducting an operation on unregistered trail bikes being ridden on the road and reserve areas in the Bridgewater and Gagebrook area.

In the last twelve months police have seized 29 trail bikes from offenders, with a further five being seized in the last seven days.  Offenders' trail bikes are seized till the end of court proceedings and are subject to application for destruction.

Acting Inspector Jason Hutcheon pointed out that the offending was not only a public nuisance but posed a high risk to the offenders.

“We are very disappointed with the high number of seizures over the past 12 months and the recent spike as a result of our operations," he said.

"Offenders riding unregistered trail bikes and particularly without protective equipment place themselves at a high risk of injury.  Their injuries are not covered by insurance, they also bear legal responsibility for any damage or injury they cause other vehicles or members of the community.  It is particularly disturbing that the parents of some familles are encouraging youths to behave this way.”

The Acting Inspector would not disclose the various methods police are using on their operation but stated some trail bikes are seized at the time of riding.  Police also used identification methods and then attend the offenders' home and seize the trail bikes.

Tasmania Police Media

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