Reports of scrambler bikes being rode 'recklessly' in Craigyhill, Antiville, Killyglen Road and Ballyboley Road areas of Larne
Police in Larne have urged parents of anyone who owns a scrambler to ensure their young people are using them ‘sensibly and legally’ after a number of incidents of ‘reckless’ driving.
It follows a report of a scrambler being ridden on public roads and footpaths within the vicinity of a children’s play park.
In a social media post, Police in Mid and East Antrim shared feedback from reports they had received about scrambler use in a number of areas in the town.
They included comments about scrambler riders “zooming all over the roads, footpaths and kids play parks”; “teenagers on scramblers, footpaths and the road” while there were “lots of young children out”, and a “young male driving on a scrambler with no helmet on”, who was letting other children onto the back of the vehicle.
"These are just a snippet of the increased reports we are receiving over the past few weeks in Larne,” the post read.
"As with all the reports, the reckless nature of driving reported could result in riders falling off, hitting a child on a footpath, an elderly person or hitting another vehicle causing injury, damage or worse.
"The reports of scrambler type bikes being driven recklessly on footpaths, roads and in public spaces particularly around Craigyhill, Antiville, Killyglen Road and Ballyboley Road areas with pedestrians, including young children and the elderly are very concerning. Frustration is obvious and warranted in the reports being made.”
The post included an image of a yellow scrambler type bike that was seized by officers from the Probationer Support Unit after reports of dangerous driving on the public road/footpaths and within the vicinity of a children’s play park. “The rider made off from police opting to leave the bike behind. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the owner,” the post added.
“It isn't our job to sort facilities for these bikes to be used. Like everything, there are rules to be adhered to when using these bikes; please do so.”
In March 2026, police said they would continue to target anti-social driving across the district after seizing a scrambler in the Craigyhill area.
"Illegal scrambler use isn't just a nuisance – it’s a serious safety risk,” a PSNI spokesperson said. “These bikes are often uninsured and untaxed, leaving victims with no recourse in an accident.”