Crime & Safety

Motorbike Riders Ignore Nutley Police, Flee On PSEG Property: Police

Nutley police have been warning people not to ride ATVs and motorbikes near PSE&G-owned property.

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police encountered people riding motorbikes near PSE&G-owned property last week, an issue that local authorities have been issuing warnings about in past months.

According to the Nutley Police Department, officers responded to the area of Van Winkle and Centre Street on May 15 after learning about “unregistered motorbikes traveling on private property” along the power lines.

When the bikers observed police, they ignored commands to stop, and fled on the bikes through the utility company’s property, authorities said.

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“Police are advising parents of youngsters that have dirt bikes and ATVs that the property owned by PSE&G is private, and it is against the law to be on private property,” Nutley police said. “In addition, unlicensed, unregistered vehicles may be subject to impound as well as restrictions on obtaining a valid New Jersey driver’s license if summoned.”

In April, Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo warned parents and juveniles that motorized vehicles are not permitted to ride along Public Service Utility Property.

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Strumolo said the property is private, and anyone who is on it risks being charged with defiant trespassing. In addition to being summoned for unregistered/uninsured and unlicensed vehicles, they also are at risk of impoundment and delayed licensing by DMV.

Petracco said officials and police are concerned for the safety of children, as well as the neighbors that risk hitting them when crossing streets.

PSE&G has signage posted no trespassing and the town has to enforce a violation when it is observed, Petracco said

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