MORNINGTON Peninsula police are calling on the public to help in a crackdown on monkey bikes and other unregistered motorised bikes.
Senior Sergeant Kirby Tonkin, of Hastings Police, said neighbours and residents were being asked to report any illegal riding in their streets.
In recent incidents a 12-year-old boy was intercepted by Hastings police riding a dirt bike along Victoria Street, Hastings, about 6.25pm on 7 January.
The bike was seized, and the rider issued with a caution for unlicensed driving, using an unregistered vehicle and failing to wear a helmet.
Five days before, at 3.35pm, a 15-year-old male was spotted riding a green dirt bike in Cool Store Road, Hastings.
Police attempted to intercept him, but the rider refused to stop. After investigations, the alleged offender was located, interviewed and released on summons to appear at the Frankston Magistrates Court on charges of failing to stop a vehicle on police direction, being unlicensed and using an unregistered vehicle.
Sen Sgt Tonkin said police were working hard to address the issue of illegal riding of motor bikes and wanted to work with the public to keep the streets safe.
“The riders of these bikes are creating potentially dangerous situations for themselves and members of the public,” he said.
“The public don’t always see the work we are doing to stop this dangerous behaviour, but I want to ensure communities that we are working hard at catching offenders.
“We want our streets and communities to be safe, but it’s sometimes difficult to know where these illegal riders live, so we are calling on communities to help.
“Someone must be a neighbour, concerned relative or friend who knows who rides an illegal bike and wants to protect them or the community.”
Monkey bikes are only legal for use on private property, such as a gated farm. Any miniature motorcycles must meet standards according to the definition of a “miniaturised motorcycle” in road safety laws.
In 2017 the state government introduced legislation to crack down on the use of mini bikes on public roads and seize and impound miniaturised motorcycles that had been used on a road or road related area.
Any offenders or owners caught are now required to appear in court, where they can receive a fine of up to $3109, and the monkey bike may be crushed.
If police find a monkey bike without a rider, the bike will be impounded and crushed after three months.
Riders who are found not to have a valid motorcycle licence will be charged with unlicensed driving.
Sen Sgt Tonkin said the death of a Carrum Downs mother in 2015, who died after being hit by a 17-year-old driving an unlicensed monkey bike, was a stark reminder of the dangers of the illegal activity.
Teenager Caleb Jakobsson killed mother-of-two Andrea Lehane when he ran into her while riding a mini-motorbike through a pedestrian crossing at Carrum Downs Shopping Centre.
Jakobsson was riding a homemade bike with no front brakes and sped away after he hit Mrs Lehane on a pedestrian crossing.
Snr Sgt Tonkin said anybody who has concerns about illegal motorbike riding in their neighbourhood should phone their local police station – anonymously if preferred – or Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 0300.
First published in the Western Port News – 2 February 2022
