Counties Manukau Police are issuing a stark warning after several dirt bikes were impounded over the past few weeks.
Three dirt bikes and two road bikes were impounded on Sunday afternoon after a group of riders were reported travelling through the Howick Golf Course doing tricks and wheelies.
When police arrived at the scene, the riders dumped their bikes and attempted to flee the scene by foot.
"Thanks to the assistance of golfers at the Howick Golf Course and some members of the public, police were able to locate and seize five bikes, one of which was stolen," police said in a statement.
"A youth was also apprehended at the scene and enquiries are ongoing by staff to identify other riders involved."
Last Friday, Counties Manukau Police seized a quad bike after it was observed ripping up turf at Walter Massey Park.
"Further action is likely to follow against the rider," a spokesperson said.
Police also received a report last Tuesday of a crash where a quad bike without a helmet was injured on Yates Road in Mangere.
On Friday afternoon, police received a report of a rider, who wasn't wearing a helmet, crashing into a vehicle after driving through a red light in Otara.
Counties Manukau road policing manager inspector Kay Lane says it's only a matter of time before one of these riders gets killed.
"In general these dirt bike riders show little regard for their own safety or the safety of those around them on the roads," she said.
"We are continuing to see riders put themselves and other motorists in significant danger by driving recklessly, carrying out dangerous stunts and failing to wear helmets.
"We are appealing to these riders to stop putting themselves and other road users at risk.
"It may seem like fun until one of your mates is seriously hurt."
It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration.
Anyone riding a bike with an engine capacity above 50cc needs to have a motorbike license.
Inspector Lane urges the public to help identify bike riders responsible for offending on our roads.
"We want to hear from family members or neighbours who can provide information about the identity of these riders and/or the properties where these bikes are located.
"Police will continue to seize and impound illegal road and dirt bikes and take follow up action against those responsible for offending."
Anyone with footage of dirt bike riders offending on the roads should upload it to this portal: https://dirtbike.nzpolice.org/
Anyone with information about the identity of the riders involved or addresses where the dirt bikes are located should email DL_CMSCU@police.govt.nz or call 105.
