Dirt bike gang a growing ‘nuisance’ for Otara community

Dirt biking has become the latest buzz for Otara youth gang, the Killer Beez, but those living in the neighbourhood they ride in are frustrated by the disturbance.

Sometimes wearing their yellow gang colours, the bikers are seen and heard revving their bikes and speeding on main roads with no helmets or safety gear.

Usually, the dirt bikers are spotted during later times of the evening, most commonly at community parks and reserves.

Locals have expressed their disapproval of the gang’s antics and hope for a safer community environment.

The dirt bikers usually ride in groups and make a big “ruckus when you least expect it,” said Otara resident Kali Huva.

Fellow Otara local, Lani Swann, said the gang is filled with “inconsiderate youths” who lack respect for the public.

“I’m fed up with the noise pollution, they are just a nuisance and need to get off our streets.”

Dirt biker and Killer Beez member JayDee, who did not wish to use his real name, said he understands the public's concerns, but feels as though he is doing nothing wrong.

“Most of the time the youth out here are portrayed in a bad way, but we’re not doing anything bad,” he said.

“We use this place as our playground, the hood is the safest place for us.”

He said he would prefer to “disturb the peace” than to commit crime in the neighborhood.

“We might be annoying but some people don’t know we’re tryna protect the hood.”

A keen dirt bike rider explains why he and his friends enjoy the pastime. Video: Shaquille Muavae

Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board member, Lotu Fuli, said one major complaint residents make is the dirt bikers using alleyway shortcuts when riding.

“It’s quite dangerous when you’ve got young kids walking through those alleyways, trying to get to school,” she said.

She said the dirt bikers’ “reckless behavior” is inconsiderate of the safety of others and public property.

According to Ms Fuli, the council has spent thousands of dollars fixing up a Ngati Otara park field that was “ripped up” by what she believed to be dirt bikes.

Ms Fuli believes the community needs more police presence. “The police we do have are doing a great job and doing as much as they can, but there’s so few of them.”

Since the closure of the Otara police station, anti-social behavior has risen in that area, added Ms Fuli.

Constable Elijah Liki Faalenuu of Counties Manukau Police said he agreed there could be more police, but doesn’t believe that will stop the bike problem.

“Most of these bikers are gang affiliated and their mentality is to be fearless and unstoppable,” he said. “We are working on ways as to how we can reduce this growing issue.”