NYPD to destroy seized illegal dirt bikes, ATVs

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - ATV and dirt bike riders are being warned to stay off the streets of New York City. The NYPD is vowing to crack down on the illegal vehicles with arrests and the public destruction of seized vehicles.

A family traveling with their child in the back of their car was beset upon by a motorcycle gang. For many New Yorkers, that incident on the West Side Highway in 2013 was the moment a nuisance became a threat. That is when the joyriders got the attention of the NYPD.

The NYPD made its inflexibility clear when it comes to the laws the riders break, and the lives they threaten. Dirt bikes and ATVs are illegal in the city, yet time after time they're seen taking over streets, nearly running over pedestrians, riding on curbs, going against traffic -- even shutting down highways.

The NYPD is now in full crackdown mode, confiscating and arresting people. Chief of Patrol Carlos Gomez said the NYPD has made a dozen arrests and seized 65 bikes in the last two weeks.

Twitter accounts of police precincts show a portion of the confiscated wheels. The NYPD is intent on uncovering storage facilities hiding the illegal vehicles and is asking the public for help.

The city plans what it calls a crush in: to televise the destruction of the illegal vehicles. Asked whether a portion of them should be sold, the mayor said the message is more important in this case.