Hoons on dirt bikes have for years buzzed aggressively past bike riders at high speeds along the Federation Trail and other popular paths in Melbourne’s west.
A rider on a dirt bike in Perth who struck a bike rider at high speed was recently sentenced to a lengthy prison term.
Councils and police acknowledge the problem, but have found it difficult to control.
Funding from Wyndham City has provided police with two off-road motorcycles to tackle the problem on the Federation Trail.
The police motorbikes will complement local police patrols and operations, and allow officers access to patrol trails. Police say they will be better placed to stamp out illegal dirt bikes riding dangerously and causing significant damage to parklands and roads.
In a recent incident in Truginina in Melbourne's west, about 15 people are alleged to have ridden dirt bikes dangerously in front of police. Offences included riding on one wheel, riding on the wrong side of the road and spraying police and their vehicle with rocks and dirt. One person was arrested.
Inspector Jennifer Horgan from Westgate Police Division says riding illegal dirt bikes on our streets and through parks "is not just harmless fun".
"The community and police are rightly sick of it, and we are taking action.
“The bikes funded by the Wyndham City Council greatly improve our ability to disrupt illegal dirt bike use and compliment our ongoing patrols and operations targeting this activity," Horgan says.
“Westgate Highway Patrol are regularly targeting illegal dirt bike use in the western suburbs, with support provided from local uniform police and the Air Wing to monitor and track down offenders.
“For those thinking they can ride around our streets in groups while conducting ridiculous behaviour on these bikes – be assured that we will find you, seize your bike and lay charges where appropriate.
“If we don’t get you on the day, know that it is only a matter of time before we come knocking on your door to arrest you and impound your bike."