Police have added two agile off-road motorbikes to their cavalry after a group of riders allegedly circled officers and sprayed them with dirt during an arrest.
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This is part of a larger trend of illegal dirt bike riding in Melbourne's west, Victoria Police said.
Riders have allegedly caused havoc by driving dirt bikes dangerously, taunting other road users and police officers and damaging parklands and roads.
The incident that spurred police to upgrade their off-road biking capabilities occurred on July 29 at Williams Landing.
Police said about 15 people allegedly rode dangerously in front of a police car just after 2pm with some riding on one wheel, Victoria Police said on August 16.
When police arrested one rider during the incident, the group allegedly came back to circle officers, spray them and their car with rocks and dirt, and ride on the wrong side of the road.
The riders allegedly circled police for about two minutes before they drove off.
Back-up arrived after the riders left, and officers impounded two dirt bikes on the day.
The two off-road police motorbikes will allow officers to better target those illegally riding dirt bikes on streets, parklands and bike tracks in the western suburbs, Victoria Police said.
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"Riding illegal dirt bikes on our streets and through parks is not just harmless fun - the community and police are rightly sick of it and we are taking action," Westgate police division Inspector Jennifer Horgan said.
"For those thinking they can ride around our streets in groups while conducting ridiculous behaviour on these bikes - be assured that we will find you, seize your bike and lay charges where appropriate.
"If we don't get you on the day, know that it is only a matter of time before we come knocking on your door to arrest you and impound your bike."
Police urged anyone with information about the Williams Landing incident to come forward.
With Australian Associated Press
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
