Poulton: ATV, Dirt Bike Recklessness 'Going to End Badly'

[Editor's Note: The following is an opinion piece posted on the East Haven Patch boards.]

After a meeting last night the conversation turned to the unlawful use of these quads and dirt bikes routinely driving recklessly and harrassing motorist and this includes PO's who are being dared into a chase.  I have a very bad feeling this is going to get very ugly if this assault on the people of EH isn't stopped and stopped quickly.

One person said his wife was harressed while driving by one rider who tried to reach into the car and even spat her her.  By the way she had her young children with her.  After being told of this the husband went out in search for the rider.  He was carrying "protection".

Another said he confronted a group operating on his street and when confronting one rider he was threatened and who then tore up his lawn and said his home would be damaged as well.

Here is the problem.  The police can't be everywhere and we all know this.  They are working up-wards to 80 hours a week due to manpower shortage and to be honest are most likely very burnt out.  But this is no excuse for what was related during this discussion.

In both cases police were called.  In both cases they were told that nothing can be done. The second mentioned incident was actually a criminal complaint of threatening and criminal mischief.  Yes, a report was taken but that's where it ended.

While I understand the uniformed patrolman are exhausted and rightfully so, but to say nothing can be done is an insult.  Whether or not this is true that phrase should never be used when taking a complaint.  If nothing else the officers should just say they will do what they can and go out and make an attempt to locate these people.  Hopefully these officers are doing just that.  By the way, the EHPD is working with a uniform strength of 17 officers that have to cover three shifts.  Do the math.  Maybe its time for the Chief and his Deputy to get out of headquarters and hit the streets to help these officers.

My problem is this.  I am afraid the residents in the affective areas will hit the streets and do what has to be done on their own.  Basically old time vigilantism enforcement.  Bodies will be hitting the pavement, homes and property will be damaged.

Someone is going to get hurt and possibly badly.  Supposedly many residents have provided the PD with names and addresses of some of these riders.  If so they should start banging on doors.  Or maybe it's time to look for outside help.  Bring in State police or under mutual agreement with surrounding towns get off-duty officers in un-marked cars to staturate the known areas and hopefully start making arrests and seizures of these machines. 

Sorry to say it but the EHPD can't do it alone.  But what we don't need to have happen is for law-abiding citizens taking to the streets who just may end up hurt or arrested. 

I have a very bad feeling this isn't going to end well.