Stolen trail bike seized in Rotorua as police report major offence drop

This stolen bike was found and impounded this week in Rotorua.

Reports of trail bike offences in Rotorua have dropped dramatically, police say, crediting tip-offs from locals.

A stolen trail bike was impounded this week, the latest in a series of actions targeting antisocial trail bike use in the town.

Police promised a crackdown in July amid rising community concern about dangerous riding in public spaces, damage to reserves, and clashes at sports fields.

Rotorua road policing manager Senior Sergeant John Stapleford said in the latest case, the rider was arrested and the bike reunited with its owner.

A 33-year-old man had been charged with stealing.

“Information is coming in to police and we’re responding swiftly,” Stapleford said.

“People are letting us know when they see bikes and it helps us to hold riders accountable and, if necessary, seize bikes.”

Stapleford said the tally sat at nine bikes seized and three offenders arrested in the last month.

Stapleford said the operation was getting trail and dirt bike offenders off the roads.

“It’s working - reports of trail bike offences have reduced by about 90% and the community is safer.”

He said police continued to urge people to come forward with information on where bikes are coming and going from, and if known, the offenders.

“Information like this helps us to hold riders accountable and possibly seize bikes for the safety of everyone.”

Witnesses to antisocial road user behaviour should call police immediately on 111, or make a report via 105 if after the fact.