Dozens of illegal dirt bikes, ATVs seized in day long round-up

HUNTING PARK (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Police's motorcycle patrol was all revved up Saturday night after a citywide dirt bike, ATV crackdown netted possibly the most during a one day operation.

"It's extremely dangerous, it causes auto accidents. There's always a possibility that we have individuals on the sidewalks that are going to be hit by these dirt bikes," said Chief Inspector Dennis Wilson.

Inside the major crimes garage in Hunting Park, they came in all sizes and in all colors. Some were cheaper while one was worth nearly $10,000.

In all, a team of officers, with air support and other resources, confiscated 68 dirt bikes and ATVs.

Police say the uptick in illegal travel was sparked by the warmer weather and a rapper.

On Saturday night, North Philadelphia native Meek Mill was at the Wells Fargo Center for his "Welcome Back" concert.

"We got wind on social media that there might be a ride out for this concert," said Wilson.

A ride out in honor of Meek Mill, who can be seen riding dirt bikes and ATVs in online videos.

Officers say the majority of the confiscated bikes were from out of town concert goers who claimed they didn't know they law.

"We also seized three trucks. Two of the trucks were transporting stolen ATVs or dirt bikes. One of the individuals we stopped had a gun on him. He was arrested for the gun. Another individual had illegal drugs," said Wilson.

Police are trying to avoid the dangerous scenes that are unfortunately seen yearly.

In October, about 100 dirt bike and ATV riders weaved in and out of traffic and raced from one end of Broad Street to the other.

"You're not allowed to ride these dirt bike and ATVs and when we catch you, we're going to seize them and you're not going to get them back," said Wilson.

The day long crackdown will continue into the night, as officers outside the Meek Mill concert will confiscate more dirt bikes and ATVs if they see them.