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Police push ordinance to seize and destroy illegal dirt bikes as deployments rise
Summary
Police reported an increase in off‑highway vehicle deployments, cited seizure numbers for 2023–2025 and said a draft ordinance to allow seizure and destruction of illegal dirt bikes remains with the legal department.
Police officials told the Public Safety Committee on June 16 that the department is increasing deployments to address illegal dirt bikes and off‑highway vehicles (OHVs) and is pursuing a city ordinance to give enforcement additional tools, including seizure and destruction of vehicles.
The topic matters because residents report noise, safety risks and violent incidents linked to groups riding illegal dirt bikes on city streets; councilors said a strong ordinance would deter repeat offenders.
A police presenter said the department seized 53 OHVs in 2023 with 26 arrests, and 39 OHVs in 2024 with 14 arrests. So far this year, deployments have increased from one per week to two, and officers have made arrests and issued citations and criminal complaints. "We started off with 1 deployment per week. We've recently picked that up to 2 deployments. We've made a couple arrests," the officer said. The presenter added that weather has affected street activity and that warmer, drier months could increase incidents.
Police also reported issuing violations to gas stations that sell to riders and described limits on posting signage on private property. The department said a legal‑department draft ordinance that would allow seizure and destruction of seized OHVs is under review; police said the ordinance, if passed, would help send a message and reduce recidivism.
Several councilors strongly supported the ordinance. Councilor Davila called the problem "very scary" and referenced a prior violent attack in his district connected to such riders. Councilor Davila told the committee: "We'll be joining the mayor... with a big hammer. And we're gonna... destroy them because they don't belong in our city streets." Other council members voiced support and urged the law department to expedite review.
No ordinance vote occurred at the meeting; the chair said the draft remains in the legal department and police staff said they ask about it weekly. Department officials said they will continue deployments, issue citations and seek the law department's help to finalize an enforceable ordinance.
