Police officers in North and West Belfast seized two electric scramblers over the weekend, with the assistance of the Air Support Unit.
Officers say they are actively patrolling the area due to "real concern in the community" regarding the dangerous driving of scramblers and other off-road bikes, and are "keen to emphasise the potential penalties for those who choose to take part in this anti-social behaviour".
In a statement issued on Monday, Local policing Sergeant McIlveen said: "On Saturday, 5th April, at around 3.10pm, patrol officers heard the distinctive noise of scramblers in the Crumlin Road area and asked Air Support colleagues for assistance with tracking the bikes.
"They were able to follow the bikes and direct officers to the Hightown Quarry area. The bike was located, found to be uninsured, and seized. The driver, aged 23, is to be reported to the Public Prosecution Service for a number of offences including careless driving.
"On Sunday, 6th April, at around 2.25pm, Air Support spotted a scrambler being driven erratically on the road and footpath in the Workman Avenue area. The driver was followed to an address on Falls Road, where he was arrested. Again, the uninsured vehicle was seized.
"The man, aged 23, was subsequently charged with a number of offences including dangerous driving. He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday, 2nd May. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service."
Sergeant McIlveen continued: "We want to reassure you that we are taking this issue extremely seriously and that we recognise the significant danger that these vehicles can pose. It beggars belief that they would be driven on footpaths, or in a built up area, at times when children or older people could be out and about and placed at risk through this thoughtlessness.
"We would encourage you to report any incidents of these vehicles being driven recklessly. Give us the information so that we can take measures to deal with those in our community who drive these vehicles contrary to legislation. We would also encourage parents and guardians to consider the risks to others and the impact on the community when they purchase these vehicles for their young people."
Sergeant McIlveen urged: "Think before you ride. You risk not only losing your bike, like these men, but also ending up in court. Please help us to make our roads, residential areas and parks safer for everyone.
"Call us on 101 or report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report. If you want to anonymously provide us with information on those responsible for this nuisance in our community, you can do so via the charity Crimestoppers, which gives you the power to speak up and stop crime.
"They can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers - uk.org/."
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