Cops Impound Hundreds Of Illegal Motorized Vehicles In 'Fall Cleanup'

YONKERS, NY — It's risky to operate an unlicensed motorized vehicle in Yonkers for more than one reason.

"Our number one citizen complaint continues to be the reckless operation of unregistered mopeds, scooters, dirtbikes, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles," the Yonkers Police Department said in a statement released on social media this weekend. "We are always on the lookout for these vehicles that pose a danger to our motorists and pedestrians who are following the laws — but sometimes we pay EXTRA attention."

Earlier in the week, under the direction of Mayor Mike Spano and Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza, plainclothes Field Investigations Division, Anti-Crime Units, and Patrol Force went on an 8-hour mission of scouring the jurisdiction for illegal and unregistered motorized vehicles on city streets. In that 8-hour period, cops impounded 30 such two-wheeled vehicles.

But police said that in the past four weeks, the Yonkers Police Department has impounded over 100 mopeds, scooters, dirtbikes, and motorcycles, in an ongoing commitment to keeping roadways safe.

"Our Yonkers Police Officers go out there every day to protect our City and improve the quality of life for our neighbors," Mayor Spano said, "This ongoing initiative is part of the proactive policing that we need to deter illegal and unregistered use of these vehicles from becoming a gateway for other crimes. What I observed yesterday was conscientious and skillful policing while connecting with our community and educating some of these drivers about the law of the roadways."

Police officials said that the crackdown is about quality of life, public safety and being reponsive to concerns voiced by the community.

"The notion that the laws on the books do not apply to those utilizing recreational vehicles is a misconception that may be acceptable in other places, but one that we will not allow here in Yonkers," Commissioner Sapienza said. "Our Officers will continue to address this top complaint of our residents- we will not allow the reckless operation of these vehicles to put those in Yonkers at risk."