Police in Reading destroy off-road vehicles seized from streets

The Reading Police Department destroyed over 30 ATV’s and dirt bikes Thursday following the crackdown of illegal off-road vehicles on city streets.

“As many of you residents know the illegal dirt bike/ATV riding on the city streets had really begun to be an issue, and the subject of numerous complaints” mentioned the department on social media. “Today was the last phase of this process to ensure that we will not be chasing these same vehicles again.”

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The Reading Police Department instituted a zero tolerance policy and has seized vehicles over the past year when found to be driven illegally on city streets.

“These vehicles were being operated recklessly, endangering individuals in our city. So we worked with the administration, and City Council to change some ordinances that gave us the ability to destroy these vehicles instead of putting them back out on the street, which is what you see here today” said Police Chief Richard Tornielli.

Photo by Reading Police Department.

“So we’re hopeful that this may serve as a deterrent to some individuals Who are thinking about taking these vehicles out on the street and operating them recklessly. And just to show that through a good collaboration and partnerships across government in our community, we can accomplish things like this.”

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Officials say officers are instructed to engage and pursue (if safe) illegal and reckless riders. Individuals had the opportunity to recover them in a period of time according to City ordinances.

The Reading Police Department continues to ask for the public’s help with tips on locating illegal dirt bike/ATV’s. Anyone with information is ask to contact Reading Police Department at (610) 655-6116.

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Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Subscribe today: berksweekly.com/subscribe
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