Confiscated ATVs and dirt bikes stolen in Providence

August 31, 2017 6:52 am

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Ten ATVs and dirt bikes that were confiscated by police were ripped off from a city building Wednesday.

However, that was not all that the thieves took while they were there. Four of those dirt bikes have already been found but investigators are still trying to locate the city vehicle, the other dirt bikes, and the suspects.

The city owned property on Ernest Street is home to dozens of confiscated dirt bikes, ATVs, and mini bikes. Still, after a bold overnight robbery, many of those confiscated vehicles are now back out on the streets.

“A city vehicle was taken, tools were taken and about 10 dirt bikes, ATVs, and mini bikes were taken from that building as well,” said Commander Thomas Verdi of the Providence Police Department.

Police were able to track down four of the dirt bikes at a home on Greeley Street but the rest of the stolen property remains missing.

In May, the city council passed an ordinance that allowed police to confiscate dirt bikes and ATVs that were being used illegally. Since that time, over 40 vehicles have been taken, but the bikes cannot be destroyed until the owners go through court proceedings, creating a unique problem for law enforcement.

“It doesn’t make it more difficult in terms of enforcing the ordinance but as far as storage, they were being kept in that facility because we have nowhere else to put them,” said Commander Verdi.

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, a proponent of the ordinance, released a statement Wednesday saying in part:

“While this morning’s incident was a setback, the council will not be deterred in their efforts to empower law enforcement to continue to do their work of keeping city streets safe and clear of illegal vehicles. The city has secured all vehicles and will take immediate additional steps to ensure that this type of theft doesn’t happen again.”

Police say they have addressed security concerns at the Ernest street facility to prevent any future issues.They have no suspects in custody at this point.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Providence Police Department at 401-272-3121.