Superintendent vows to continue to target scrambler riders in Limerick

A LIMERICK superintendent said they will continue to take scrambler bikes off the city's streets.

"I would like to stress it is our full intention to conduct similar operations going forward when the need arises," said Superintendent Paul Reidy, who was speaking after gardai seized dozens of scrambler bikes as part of a major ongoing operation targeting dangerous driving in Limerick.

A planned operation targeting dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour incidents associated with the use of scrambler bikes and other off-road vehicles, took place on Tuesday, October 24.

Coordinated by Roxboro Road and Henry Street, the operation led to a total of 21 searches in various locations across Limerick city. Forty four scrambler bikes and off-road vehicles were seized, and five individuals have been arrested for suspected endangerment and dangerous driving. 

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The operation involved 30 members of gardaí, with additional support from the Armed Response Unit.

Roxboro Road superintendent Paul Reidy said gardai have been very aware of the dangers associated with the behaviour of individuals who “recklessly drive these off-road scramblers at dangerous speeds around our streets and pavements and open green areas”.

“These scramblers have been a menace to our community and a serious cause of anti-social behaviour and other public order issues.

“There have been incidents of injuries caused to pedestrians and collisions with other law-abiding motorists who simply want to go about their daily business without fear of being accosted by these individuals on scramblers who are terrorising our community.

“With the seizure of these off-road scramblers it is expected that there would be a significant reduction in this anti-social behaviour within our community,” said Supt Reidy, who thanked members of community groups and local residents who came forward with information which assisted gardai in progressing this operation.

“An Garda Siochana greatly values the public's assistance and I would also like to stress it is our full intention to conduct similar operations going forward when the need arises. There was great co-operations with units across Limerick city north and south, the armed support unit, community policing unit also played a pivotal role, Operation Croi, as well as the regular units in Roxboro Road and throughout the city.”

Supt Andrew Lacey, 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.”

Supt Lacey added: “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."