Gardai seize 44 scramblers and off-road vehicles following operation

Five people were arrested following 21 searches over two days

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• 12:20, 26 OCT 2023

Gardaí in Limerick have seized almost 50 scrambler bikes and off-road vehicles as part of an operation targeting dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour incidents on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the course of the operation, a total of 21 searches were carried out at locations across Limerick city resulting in the seizure of 44 scrambler bikes and off-road vehicles.

Five individuals were arrested as part of ongoing investigations for suspected endangerment and dangerous driving and other related matters.

The operation involved 30 gardaí, with additional support from the Armed Support Unit, and was planned and coordinated by Limerick City South (Roxboro Road) and Limerick City North (Henry Street) Community Engagement Functional Areas, through ongoing collaborative policing initiatives between the two areas.

Superintendent Andrew Lacey of Henry Street Garda Station said: “Gardaí in Limerick welcome the new search and seizure powers under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which have given us the capacity to carry out this targeted operation to confront a growing problem in the city.

“Through our various interactions in JPCs and local community meetings, we 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.

“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.”

Recently, Limerick Sinn Féin TD, Maurice Quinlivan told the Irish Mirror he fears it is only a matter of time before there are “more serious injuries or the death of an innocent person”.

He said the misuse of these vehicles has become a major concern for hardworking residents in Limerick.

“I have seen and received reports of these vehicles being driven aggressively on scenic walkways and also on the public roads of the city, often on the main street in the core of the city.

“These bikes are often driven in an irresponsible and aggressive manner and the use of balaclavas and other face coverings adds to the intimidatory presence that these devices pose.

“These vehicles being operated on public roadways are not only a danger to the operators but they also pose a risk to other road users and pedestrians.”

He added: “I have been contacted by hard-working people who are finding it very difficult to work from home because of the noise pollution of these devices.

“Worryingly, I have witnessed children as young as five years of age operating these vehicles. It is only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured or worse in an accident with these.”