Cincinnati police have a message to those operating unregistered quads and motorbikes around the city: "We're watching you."
These vehicles are not legally allowed to operate on the streets and don't have the equipment to safely do so, District 5 commander Capt. Craig Gregoire said during a Friday press conference.
Gregoire said these drivers often participate in reckless operation including burnouts, wheelies and standing up on the saddle.
In other instances, police believe some riders have been involved in more serious crimes. Gregoire said his district has seized 13 quads and motorbikes since September, six of which have led to arrests, one involving a gun. Another four were involved in traffic accidents.
"We're not turning a blind eye to this," he said.
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The department released body camera footage Friday depicting two incidents of reckless operating of motorbikes and a quad.
The dangerous behavior shown in the videos are mainly why Gregoire said officers are no longer chasing these suspects, so as to protect pedestrians and other innocent bystanders.
Instead, police are relying on video footage and undercover surveillance to track down the riders. Body camera footage, gas pump cameras, convenience store surveillance and Ring camera footage are particularly helpful, he said.
The department's concern does not include organized motorcycle rides, Gregoire said.
"Those are not things that the police department is looking at," he said. "We support those organized motorcycle rides and that camaraderie. And that's one of the things that makes our city great."
Members of the community can help track down illegal quad and bike riders, and have, by allowing access to business surveillance footage and Ring camera videos, Gregoire said.
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