Gardaí in Limerick have seized 44 scrambler bikes and other off-road vehicles in a targeted operation against dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour.
Five people were also arrested during the course of 21 searches carried out at locations across the city.
The two day operation took place on Tuesday and Wednesday and involved gardaí from Roxboro Road and Henry Street Garda stations, with additional personnel from the Armed Support Unit
The Garda said the operation targeted dangerous driving as well as anti-social behaviour incidents associated with the use of the motorbikes and off-road vehicles.
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The five who were arrested as part of ongoing investigations for suspected endangerment, dangerous driving and other related matters.
Superintendent Andrew Lacey of Henry Street Garda station said, gardaí in Limerick used new search and seizure powers under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which gave the force “the capacity to carry out this targeted operation to confront a growing problem in the city”.
He said interactions with members of the public through joint policing committees and local community organisations the Garda received “a clear message that this behaviour is causing fear, intimidation and distress” across the city.
“We are acutely aware of the problem ourselves and can correlate the use of scramblers and e-scooters to criminal activities with a number of detections in the sale and supply of drugs in recent months”, he said.
“With the new powers in place we plan to continue with these operations if those responsible continue to break the law, cause harm to communities or have a detrimental effect on business and traders in the city centre,” said Supt Lacey.
