By Dan Murphy
The Yonkers Police Department stated that the number one citizen complaint continues to be the reckless operation of unregistered mopeds, scooters, dirtbikes, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. We are always on the lookout for these vehicles that pose a danger to our motorists and pedestrians who are following the laws- but sometimes we pay EXTRA attention.
Recently under the direction of Mayor Spano and Police Commissioner Sapienza, plainclothes members of the Field Investigations Division, Anti-Crime Units, and Patrol Force went on an 8-hour overhaul, scouring the city for those that think that all of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws don’t apply to them because they only have two wheels. In just an 8-hour period, we impounded 30 of these vehicles. In the past four weeks, the Yonkers Police Department has impounded over 100 mopeds, scooters, dirtbikes, and motorcycles, in our ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe.
City of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, “Our Yonkers Police Officers go out there every day to protect our City and improve the quality of life for our neighbors. This ongoing initiative is part of the proactive policing that we need to deter illegal and unregistered use of these vehicles from becoming a gateway for other crimes. What I observed yesterday was conscientious and skillful policing while connecting with our community and educating some of these drivers about the law of the roadways.”
Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza stated, “The notion that the laws on the books do not apply to those utilizing recreational vehicles is a misconception that may be acceptable in other places, but one that we will not allow here in Yonkers. Our Officers will continue to address this top complaint of our residents- we will not allow the reckless operation of these vehicles to put those in Yonkers at risk.”
In a related matter, the City recently adopted a law that gives the City the right to seize and seek the forfeiture of vehicles used in the attempt to flee/evade police officers to reduce and eliminate the occurrences of high-speed chases or dangers involving police chases within the City of Yonkers
