Dirt Bikers at McLennan Park – Help Us Take Action

Dear PCFC Members,
We are writing to you out of sheer frustration and ongoing concern over the continuing issue of dirt bikers recklessly riding through McLennan Park. 

This isn't a new problem, this is has been plague not only us but many other sports clubs around Auckland, New Zealand and even internationally, for years.

Time and time again, we have witnessed these individuals tearing around the park and across our fields. The more 'considerate' riders keep to the edges and stay away from any sporting activities, the thoughtless ones ride across and all over the fields which you may think isn't a big deal if there isn't anyone playing or training however it does have an impact on the grass growth. We need the fields to be able to stand up to the usage across our winter season so this would still have an impact on our members.

Most recently a new crowd have deemed it funny to ride through the middle of a pre-season youth game, it's not even slightly amusing...It is dangerous.

We have tried talking to the bikers, we have had previous club volunteers confront bikers (not recommended) which resulted in retaliation against the club and threats against those volunteers, we have consulted with the council, we have contacted the local police, we are at a loss as to what else we can do.

We need your help. The best course of action right now is for all of us to report these incidents to the police every time they occur. The more reports that are made, the more pressure there will be for action to be taken.

If you see dirt bikers in the park:

1. If they are coming near to footballing activities and there is an immediate danger - Call 111 immediately

2. If they are riding around the fields while there are no activities happening or they aren't coming near the football activities - Report non-urgent incidents to the police by calling 105 or going online at 105.police.govt.nz.

3. The police have advised to take photos or videos but our recommendation as a club is to not do this to avoid any possible escalation or conflict however please note details such as registration plates, bike colors or numbers, clothing worn by the rider and if they are/aren't wearing a helmet, any other identifiable features. If they are accompanied by a vehicle in the carpark please note those details including the time so we can try and find photos on our CCTV footage.

We know this is incredibly frustrating for all of us, but we cannot let these individuals take over our community space. The more we stand together and report them, eventually the harder it will be for them to continue.

Thank you for your support—we will not stop fighting for a safe space for our members to play football.