Trail bike issues increasing

The Town of Kwinana is concerned at the number of incidents recorded in relation to the illegal use of trail bikes.

Deputy Mayor Dennis Wood said the use trail bikes in banned areas had increased substantially, something the council took seriously.

‘‘In the past three months town rangers have attended more than 90 illegal trail bike matters, resulting in 12 infringements and 11 trail bikes being impounded, including the most recent one two weeks ago,’’ he said.

Sen-Sgt Glen Willers said police were concerned about the dangers of chasing trail bikes.

He said there was also a correlation between increased rates of burglaries in areas where complaints about off road bikes are made.

Many of the bikes found dumped in bushland and impounded had no identifying marks.

Police urged bike owners to properly mark their bikes for identification.

‘‘Ultimately, however, we really need the cooperation of the public. People see these bikes on the road — there must be people out there who know which addresses these bikes belong to,’’ Sen-Sgt Willers said.

Cr Wood agreed and said the safest method for police and rangers to apprehend offenders was to locate their home residence.

‘‘The more information we receive from concerned residents, the more likely we will be successful in locating and prosecuting offenders.’’

The Town of Kwinana is still offering a $500 reward for a successful prosecution to encourage people to report incidents.