Riders abandoned motor scooters on encountering police roadblock- RVIPF
A joint operation against illegal motor scooters on Monday, May 8, 2023, resulted in nine motor scooters seized by police on Tortola, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported.
It said the Road Policing Unit merged with officers of other units over the weekend to disrupt the practice by scooter riding groups to form noisy, illegal motorcades, particularly on the western end of the island, and disturb residents.
“In Monday’s operation, one of the larger groups was blocked in the Ballast Bay area; the riders then abandoned their scooters on private properties in the area and ran.
“A total of nine scooters were confiscated and are now in police custody. One of the riders was detained after sustaining injuries in his attempt to flee, the RVIPF stated in a press release today, May 10, 2023.
Public partnership ‘greatly assisted’- Inspector Karen Vanterpool
Head of the Road Policing Unit Inspector Karen Vanterpool says the public’s partnership greatly assisted in the success of this operation. “While noise complaints from the public are helpful, the active participation by members of the public is what led to the success of this operation. Similar operations will be carried out in the coming weeks,” she said.
With investigations ongoing in connection to the seized scooters, the Inspector noted that owners with requisite proof of ownership, licence and insurance are invited to come to the Road Town Police Station on Fridays only between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.