Mayor Smiley and Colonel Perez Demolish and Donate Illegal Forfeited Vehicles
Community Response Team cautions use ahead of Memorial Day weekend
Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. held a press conference today to destroy a dozen recreational vehicles that were seized by police and subsequently deemed property of the City through a Municipal Court forfeiture process. ATV’s that were confiscated and are in quality condition will be donated if there is a municipality that can demonstrate responsible use of them.
“As we head into Memorial Day weekend and the start of warmer weather, I want to reiterate that we have no tolerance for the use of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes on our streets,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “These vehicles put other motorists and pedestrians in danger and it negatively impacts the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I am proud of the work the Community Response Team has done to remove these illegal vehicles off our streets, and I am incredibly thankful for the support we have been getting from the community, providing information through our tip line. This weekend, PPD will be active in our communities responding to complaints, patrolling and addressing anyone riding ATV’s and endangering the public.”
City and Police officials have been clear that if individuals continue to ride these illegal vehicles, they will ultimately have them seized by police and destroyed or donated. Today, a dozen vehicles were destroyed out of the 63 vehicles seized in 2023 by the new Community Response Team. In the three years prior, 102 vehicles have been seized by Providence Police, including various makes and models of ATV’s and dirt bikes, both of which are not permitted for use on city streets. Additionally, the Community Response Team has made 24 arrests this year related to illegal ATV use.
“I want to thank Mayor Smiley for his leadership throughout the implementation of this important initiative dedicated to the safety and quality of life of our citizens,” said Colonel Perez. “I commend the officers who are part of the Community Response Team and our entire department for their continued efforts to hold violators accountable and remove illegal vehicles from our streets. Providence Police will continue to focus on this issue throughout the summer months.”
If you have any non-emergency information related to the location or operation of illegal recreational vehicles please contact our dedicated ATV tip line: 401-680-TATV (8288) or email us at ATVtips@providenceri.gov.
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