Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Mayor Byron Brown and Buffalo's Common Council alongside local and state police announced Wednesday a continued effort to crackdown on ATVs and motorbikes driving illegally in the streets of Buffalo.
"We have seen an issue where people are operating ATVs and dirt bikes illegally, all across the City of Buffalo. This is not just a Buffalo phenomenon, this is happening in communities across the region and across the nation and the New York State Police and the Buffalo Police have worked in a collaborative fashion to crack down on this illegal activity," said Mayor Byron Brown.
23 ATV's were seized this Memorial Day weekend in connection with an operation involving Buffalo police with the assistance of the State Police helicopter.
Memorial Day weekend prior, the operation involving Buffalo police and the Erie County Sheriff's helicopter seized 45 ATV's.
Over the last two years beyond the Memorial Day weekend operations, approximately 175 ATV's and other street illegal vehicles have been confiscated.
Deputy Police Commissioner Wright says these ATVs have come from all over the State of New York.
"I've seen with my own eyes, ATVs cutting in front of traffic," said Deputy Commissioner Wright, "We started this operation, again, with the help of the State Police, our plainclothes officers and our patrol officers with the help of our cameras and other 911 call takers. This is something we'll likely do again soon and we won't tolerate these ATVs riding in and out of our streets illegally. You more than likely will face a heavy fine and some probably won't get that ATV back."
Members of Buffalo Common Council want the public to know that they have been receiving the community's calls regarding ATV's and have been working with block clubs to help report ATV's and are emphasizing to report the ATV's to the police.
"Last year, I worked with my colleagues on the Council and once we confiscate or appropriate the vehicle, we tried to make it very hard for them to get back onto the street. There's a $2,500 fine, yes. There's also an all-point inspection on the ATV before it could go back out on the road. Also, the owner has to prove that it's registered and insured. We took great lengths to make sure that once confiscated, those ATVs would not make it back out on the streets," said Councilman Bryan Bollman.
"It's imperative that when folks call our office, try to get as much information as you can. The color of the all terrain vehicle, the time you see it and the location you see it," said Councilman Mitch Nowakowski.
A reward program remains in place that leads to the seizure of an ATV or other vehicles that are illegal on City streets.
Residents are asked to call the tip line at (716) 847-2255 if they spot an ATV that is not moving such as parked in a yard, they should leave their contact information.
If residents see an ATV that is operating illegally on City streets, they should call 911.
To listen to the full announcement, see the player below:
