Police Patrols Target Illegal Racing, Dumping in Foothills
Standing in the foothills of the picturesque Santa Susana Mountains north of Chatsworth on Thursday morning, Sgt. Bill Bowen had a stern message for the folks who sneak into the hills to illegally race their motorcycles or dump their trash.
“We’re going to be pretty aggressive,” he warned. “Sooner or later, we will get you.”
Organized by City Councilman Hal Bernson and representatives of the police and fire departments, the occasion was a firm reminder that the hills surrounding the San Fernando Valley are off-limits to motorcycles and off-road vehicles.
“From now until the beginning of October, officers will be deployed from the early morning until late in the evening,” said Capt. Alan Kerstein, commanding officer of the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division.
The message to motorcyclists: “Stay out,” Kerstein said. “There are plenty of places to safely ride. This is not one of them.”
Violators may be fined up to $200.
Led by Bowen, the LAPD’s six-member Off-Road Detail will patrol the trails via motorcycles, keeping a watchful eye not only for bikers but for furtive trash dumpers as well.
“If you’re illegally dumping up here and we catch you,” Bowen said, “we’re going to impound your car and we’re going to arrest you.”
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