Three people have been arrested for dangerous driving after riding off-road motorbikes around Hawke's Bay, including on footpaths and towards oncoming traffic.
In a statement on Friday, police said it had "extreme concern" over the dangerous behaviour, including riding on footpaths, crossing centre lines, riding through red lights, towards incoming traffic, doing wheelies, riding on roads without a licence and riding a motorbike that doesn't have a registration or warrant of fitness.
The alleged offending took place around Hastings and Napier.
On March 6, police were called to reports of two off-road bikes being ridden dangerously through roads and grass areas, including the Hastings town centre.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on Cunningham Cres, Hastings, and his motorcycle impounded.
A short time later the second rider, a 19-year-old man, was found on Tom Parker Ave, Napier, and his motorbike was impounded.
Later in the day, a third man was arrested and his motorbike impounded when he failed to stop for police.
Charges are being considered for the three arrested.
It comes after a young person failed to stop for police earlier in the week. His motorbike was impounded and he will be dealt with through Youth Aid.
Police warned that dangerous riding was not only unsafe for those involved, but the general public too.
"We had a recent incident where a motorcyclist collided with a car making a turn while undertaking cars at speed on Kennedy Rd. That rider sustained life-threatening injuries after being thrown off the bike," Senior Sergeant Neale Saunders said.
"Most motorcyclists, both on and off-road, are aware and follow the law. This is a case of a few bad riders giving everyone a bad reputation and we want to see it stop."
It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration.
Snr Sgt Saunders said police would continue to prosecute anyone identified riding motorcycles recklessly or illegally.
"At every opportunity we will impound and seize your motorbike and prosecute riders."
Police is urging anyone with information about the addresses these riders come and go from to get in touch, as this can be a less risky way to apprehend riders than to try to stop riders on the move.
Information can be provided via 111 if it is happening at the time, or 105 is it is after the fact. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
