Rotorua Police has launched Operation Themis targeting dirt bike riders in the community.
Recently, the investigative team has executed a number of search warrants and arrested two 17-year-old youths and seized two motorbikes.
Both youths have been charged with multiple driving offences, including operating a motor vehicle recklessly, failing to stop for Police, and unlawful assembly provoking others to disturb the peace.
On Wednesday evening, Tauranga Police identified a group of stolen vehicles and followed them toward Rotorua, where they were successfully spiked by Rotorua Police staff on State Highway 36.
A 17-year-old man was tracked and apprehended by a Police dog and handler.
This man was also a target of Operation Themis and he has been charged with 20 offences, relating to ram raid burglaries across the Bay of Plenty, theft of motor vehicles across Rotorua, and numerous driving offences relating to dirt bike riding activities.
Rotorua Area Prevention Manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks says that these arrests should provide reassurance to the community and businesses.
“We are sending a clear message that we won’t tolerate this kind of offending.
“Police understand the impact this type of crime is having on our communities, and we are committed to holding offenders to account.
“Enquiries are ongoing and further arrests and trail bike seizures are expected.”
