Photo: itv.com
Groups of reckless riders that make highway traffic a living hell and are a menace to the safety of both law-abiding motorists and pedestrians may soon face fierce retaliation. NY Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYPD plan to crush the illegal vehicles seized and broadcast the destruction on television.
Even though no specific date was mentioned, Mayor de Blasio looked determined to carry out this process and spoke openly about "crushing them on TV to make a point" in a press conference at the NYPD headquarters.
No less than 312 illegal vehicles have been seized in the first three months of the year, and this figure is more than double the amount of vehicles confiscated in the same period last year. One of the periods with the highest density of impounded vehicles saw 65 units being taken off the street over the last two weeks. Twelve of the individuals caught operating them have also been arrested, nypost reports.
NYPD sources mention "a citywide crackdown - where police are looking to catch the criminals while they’re gassing up at stations, rallying around parks or on deserted streets," and "using chokepoints and checkpoints to arrest the riders."
NYPD Commissioner Bratton said, "We will, a little later this spring, have a big crush-in, where we intend to takes all of these things and crush them. […] They’re not gonna be too happy we take those damn things and crush them."
One of the most famous cases in the past years is the "Manhattan Brawl," about which we reported extensively. Even though no incident as severe as that one took place, footage from such unauthorized and unruly group rides are regularly posted on the internet. It looks like the cops might also start using this info source to track down these riders.
No less than 312 illegal vehicles have been seized in the first three months of the year, and this figure is more than double the amount of vehicles confiscated in the same period last year. One of the periods with the highest density of impounded vehicles saw 65 units being taken off the street over the last two weeks. Twelve of the individuals caught operating them have also been arrested, nypost reports.
No police chases will take place
Even though the NY authorities are working on a large-scale plan that will seek to catch these riders, it looks like no police chases will take place, most likely because they put others in danger and are a costly operation.NYPD sources mention "a citywide crackdown - where police are looking to catch the criminals while they’re gassing up at stations, rallying around parks or on deserted streets," and "using chokepoints and checkpoints to arrest the riders."
NYPD Commissioner Bratton said, "We will, a little later this spring, have a big crush-in, where we intend to takes all of these things and crush them. […] They’re not gonna be too happy we take those damn things and crush them."
One of the most famous cases in the past years is the "Manhattan Brawl," about which we reported extensively. Even though no incident as severe as that one took place, footage from such unauthorized and unruly group rides are regularly posted on the internet. It looks like the cops might also start using this info source to track down these riders.
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