Camden resident expresses frustration over trail bike riders

Tips-off from the public have led to the arrest of two trail bike riders, one of whom allegedly was involved a police pursuit before dumping the bike and taking off.

Police have revealed that public tip-offs have led to the arrest of two trail bike riders with one resident saying they were “so sick” of the dangerous behaviour.

Amy Favaro has lived in Currans Hill for 11 years and in the last 12 months has becoming increasingly concerned about the behaviour of bike riders.

The mum has witnessed riders doing wheelies at zebra crossings during school pick-up and drop-off times as well as riders ducking in and out of traffic at dangerous speeds.

“It started happening just before we went into lockdown last year, so that June/July mark,” Ms Favaro said.

“We back onto a reserve and a lot of kids walk through there to school.

“I have seen multiple instances of dirt bikes riding through those area with no helmets and popping wheelies.”

Ms Favaro said an innocent bystander or even one of the riders themselves could be killed as a result of the “dangerous” actions.

“A lot of people condemn the act, but there are some people saying ‘boys will be boys’ or ‘they are young so let them have their fun’,” she said.

“But in reality, they are in fact endangering themselves and others.”

Ms Favaro said she wants to see the police doing more to address the issue before anyone gets seriously hurt.

“We have put calls into the police ourselves and a lot of the time we are told ‘we will send a patrol car out’, but no follow-ups,” she said.

“More needs to be done. We are just so sick of it. They could kill someone.”

PUBLIC TIPS OFF POLICE

Police have revealed that the public alerting officers to riders in the region has led to arrests.

On April 16, Camden Traffic and Highway Patrol officers commenced an investigation following numerous reports a male was seen riding a trail bike through the area.

Officers were told the male rider and his pillion passenger were not wearing helmets.

Following investigations, about 4pm on April 17, officers attended a home on the Old Hume Highway, Camden, where they arrested a 16-year-old boy.

The teen was taken to Narellan Police Station and charged with multiple offences including two counts of driving recklessly or furiously or speed or manner dangerous and two counts of motor bike rider not wearing or securing fit approved helmet.

He was given conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on May 4. The unregistered trail bike was seized to be forensically examined.

In a separate incident, about 11am on April 9, officers commenced an investigation following reports a male was seen riding a trail bike dangerously through the streets of Mount Annan.

Camden police received over 40 complaints about a male riding an unregistered trail bike with no helmet on and with a pillion passenger through the main street of Camden and surrounding residential streets. They later arrested the rider on April 17 and seized the bike. Picture: Supplied

A short time later, police were patrolling Narellan Road, between Mount Annan and Campbelltown, when they observed a trail bike being ridden dangerously by an unknown male.

Officers attempted to stop the trail bike; however, the rider allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit commenced before it was terminated almost immediately due to safety concerns.

The trail bike was monitored by PolAir, before the rider abandoned the bike in bushland at the Georges River Parkway Reserve, Airds, and fled the scene on foot.

Following a search with assistance from Pol Air, Dog Unit, and officers attached to Campbelltown City Police Area Command, the male was located about on Saturday.

The 17-year-old was arrested and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with multiple offences including police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, and learner drive bike not displaying “L” plate as prescribed.

He was given conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on May 9. The unregistered trail bike was seized to be forensically examined.

A statement from NSW Police said police continued to work with the community to address the ongoing concern of the illegal use of unregistered trail bikes in the community, while promoting motorcycle safety in relation to riding and wearing appropriate safety equipment.

Relevant information, such as descriptions of the motorcycle, the rider and clothes, and where the bikes are stored, can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.