UPDATED: RVIPF SEIZES 12 SCOOTERS, ARRESTS TWO IN MAJOR SWEEP
In another major sweep on road traffic violators, officers of RVIPF Road Policing Unit, the Armed Response Unit, the East End Police Station and the Marine Unit confiscated a dozen motor scooters and reported nine persons for charges for various offences including loud mufflers and driving while unlicenced and uninsured.
In Saturday’s operation, two males were arrested and charged for driving without a driver’s licence and driving when not covered by insurance.
Persons driving both motor vehicles and scooters were reported for another 22 offences including driving with expired driver’s licence and driving an unlicenced vehicle. Persons were also ticketed for another 12 offences, nine for riding without a helmet, and three missing identification plates.
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins shared his appreciation to the officers responsible for coordinating the large operation and bringing about its success. He acknowledged the efforts of the commanders Acting Sergeant Kishon Leslie and his team, Acting Sergeant Bruce Huggins and the Armed Response Unit and Inspector Durville Carty and his officers from the Marine Unit.
In his commendations, he noted that the majority of public complaints are related to scooter and motorcycle riders. He said he had received several calls and emails since the operation convening gratitude to the RVIPF.
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins noted in May that operations targeting motorists who violate the Road Traffic Laws would continue during the summer months. Those operations to pursue owners of bikes that cause a noise nuisance are specifically planned to minimize the risks to riders, the public and officers.
Early this month, Police seized three motorcycles, two of which exceeded the legal engine size allowed in the BVI — one 1300cc, one 750cc and a 125cc. Charges were laid in these matters.
See previous story below.
RVIPF CONDUCTS MASSIVE SCOOTER SEIZURE OVER THE WEEKEND
On Saturday August 14th, members of the Royal Virgin Islands police force conducted a massive seizure of a number of bikes at Beef Island during a road patrol procedure.
The issue arose when several bike riders assembled at Long Bay Beach Beef Island, violating road traffic laws. Additionally, a massive brawl ensued involving by standers and bikers and police were called to the scene.
Residents were unable to travel through the Beef Island bridge due to the RVIPF blocking the bridge during its operation.
The video received by our newsroom shows confiscated bikes by police loaded onto a wrecker truck being after being removed from the area. It is alleged that some bikers were successful in escaping police via boat.
No announcement of arrest has been made by the RVIPF in connection with traffic laws violation or the brawl.
Commissioner Mark Collins since taking office has vowed to conduct targeted operations geared at motorist who violate traffic laws.
Residents continue to voice their concerns about the noise nuisance associated with scooters and large bikes.
More to come on this story.