South Jersey Police Cracking Down On Drivers Of Off-Road Vehicles

BERLIN, NJ — The Berlin Police Department issued a warning to the community after multiple reports of disturbances and safety concerns regarding off-road vehicles in neighborhoods and along roadways.

"We have an outrageous number of complaints from residents where these machines are seen and heard at all hours of the night, sometimes between 1 and 2 a.m., causing multiple quality of life issues," the Department said.

There has also been damage to private property.

It is against policy in New Jersey to chase these vehicles, due to the safety risk to everyone involved and others on the road.

Police are now employing artificial intelligence (AI), drones, facial recognition, and regular patrol tactics to find where the vehicles are parked.

Police say machines will be confiscated, and those connected will be charged accordingly.

In just the last two weeks, officers took custody of a group of vehicles and charged a group of people after they allegedly almost hit a group of teens in the area.

"This is REAL crime, and it is affecting REAL families in our community, which is creating a REAL danger on and off our roadways," police added, "We will no longer tolerate it."

New Jersey requires drivers to be registered, insured, and operate on their own property, on other private property with written permission, or in other designated areas.

Vehicles may cross streets and other roads to gain access to permitted land, but not be used for riding along public roads or in state forests.

Anyone with information or who witnesses such activity can contact 856-783-4900.

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