A JINDALEE teenager is among those charged by WA Police following complaints involving dangerous riding of electric off-road bikes and e-scooters.
About 6pm on Wednesday, January 7 – two days after Joondalup District launched operation Moorhead – police charged the 14-year-old male after he allegedly failed to stop for police when called upon to do so in Mindarie.
He was later intercepted by officers and taken into custody and has since been charged with one count of no authority to drive (never held), one count of using an unlicensed vehicle on a road and one count of failing to comply with a direction to stop and will appear in court at a later date.
WA Police said reports had further linked riders of electric off-road bikes and e-scooters allegedly engaging in antisocial behaviour, throwing objects at people and vehicles, intimidating members of the public, riding recklessly on public roads, evading police and publicly posting their antics on social media.
In a statement police reminded the community that the use of electric off-road bikes on public roads was illegal and those caught riding them while unlicensed risked having their devices seized and destroyed, in addition to facing charges and appearing before the court.
Since the operation started, police have seized 11 eRideables.
Since operation Moorhead started on Monday, January 5, police have seized 11 eRideables. Picture: WA PoliceOperation Moorhead also charged a 16-year-old Carine male on January 7 with police alleging the teenager rode a high powered eRideable at speed through several roads, ovals and footpaths in Carine.
He was later identified and spoken to by police; his eRideable was seized and will be destroyed.
He has also been charged with one count of no authority to drive (never held) and one count of using an unlicensed vehicle on a road.
A 15-year-old Hillarys male was also charged in relation to the same incident.
He has been charged with one count of no authority to drive (never held), one count of using an unlicensed vehicle on a road, one count of possessing a prohibited drug and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia.
Police said they were working closely with partner agencies and local government to ensure fast and effective enforcement to target those engaging in reckless and dangerous behaviour.
“Police air wing aircraft, drones, marked and unmarked police vehicles and motorcycles will further complement the operation,’’ the statement said.
“Operation Moorhead reinforces WA Police Force’s commitment to community safety and holding offenders accountable for unlawful behaviour.
“The public can assist police by reporting any incidents they witness immediately to police on 131 444.’’
Anyone with information regarding the identity of those involved in antisocial behaviour in the community can also make a report to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000.
Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.
