New York City officials have seized and crushed over 200 illegal mopeds and scooters as part of an intensified crackdown on such vehicles, which are often used in criminal activities.
In a concerted effort to curb illegal vehicle use and combat crime in the city, New York City officials have crushed over 200 illegal mopeds and scooters seized by police from city streets.
Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban, and NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell announced the enhanced enforcement efforts on Wednesday at the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island.
"These illegal bikes are our number one quality of life issue in this city and also tools of the trade for the many crimes being committed," Chief Chell declared. "They are a complete menace to the streets of New York City."
Chell revealed that over 41,000 illegal mopeds and scooters had been seized in the past two years, with 13,000 impounded since the start of 2023. He projected that seizures would reach a record-breaking 30,000 by the end of 2024.
"Not only are they illegally registered," Chell said of the seized vehicles, "there's murderers on these bikes, there are shooters on these bikes, robbers on these bikes, reckless drivers putting our public at peril."
The announcement followed a shooting incident on Monday where two NYPD officers were injured chasing a suspect riding an illegal scooter on the wrong side of the street. The suspect, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was also shot during the foot pursuit. All three individuals survived the incident.
As of Sunday, public police data indicated a decline in overall crime citywide, but robbery and felony assault increased by 6.3% and 5.1%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.
After the press conference, bulldozers rolled over the seized vehicles to flatten them.
The crackdown on illegal mopeds and scooters is part of a broader effort by the city to address public safety concerns and improve quality of life for residents.
The city council passed a law in 2020 requiring motorized scooters to be registered and insured, but illegal use remains a significant problem.
City officials have attributed the surge in illegal vehicle use to factors such as a lack of transportation alternatives, high insurance costs, and a desire for a quick and convenient mode of transportation.
However, they emphasize that illegal vehicles pose a danger to public safety, pedestrians, and cyclists, and are often used to facilitate criminal activities.
The ongoing crackdown aims to deter illegal vehicle use and send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
