SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday, September 22, the San Francisco Police Department announced four people were arrested, dirt bikes were seized in addition to an ATV during a Bike Enforcement Operation.
Authorities seized six dirt bikes and an ATV and made four arrests on Sunday, September 21 during a crackdown on dangerous stunt driving and other illegal activity in San Francisco, Chief Paul Yep announced Monday.
The operation involved coordination between members of the Citywide Plainclothes Team, Real-Time Investigation Center (RTIC), Drone as a First Responder (DFR), and Stunt Driving Response Unit (SDRU).
Officers used technology like Automated License Plate Readers, drones, and surveillance cameras, along with physical surveillance, to assist officers on the ground to seize the vehicles and make arrests when possible.
There has been a significant increase in illegal dirt bike activity throughout the Bay Area. Large groups of riders overwhelm streets in San Francisco, as they swarm around the region. Most have unregistered and non-street legal dirt bikes and ride recklessly on public roadways, sidewalks, and through pedestrian zones, in direct violation of traffic laws.
Sunday’s pre-planned operation focused on enforcing California vehicle codes as they relate to illegal dirt bike riding.
Four of the six dirt bikes were stolen out of Yuba City, Modesto, Grass Valley, and Atascadero. Two individuals were booked for possession of stolen motorcycles, and two individuals were cited for driving without a license and registration. Officers will be following up on leads to identify additional suspects.
“Anyone who engages in this illegal activity in San Francisco will be held accountable,” said Interim Chief Paul Yep. “Thanks to the hard-working members of the SFPD and the assistance of new technology, we can crack down on this behavior like never before.”
The SFPD is still investigating the case. Anyone with details should contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or Text-A-Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.
