Brats on Bikes

Chief says witnesses should call police to complain about kids endangering pedestrians and drivers instead of “posting pictures” on social media

Chief Michael Ricciardelli said the Saugus Police Department is ready to take action to rid town streets of unruly kids on bicycles.

But he said officers need the help of citizens who witness the potentially dangerous conduct that’s irked local town officials for the second straight year.

“I wish people would call us when it’s happening,” Chief Ricciardelli told The Saugus Advocate this week.

“If they wish to solve the problem, we need to hear about it. Posting pictures on social media doesn’t help us,” he said.

The chief said he’s personally reviewed the police log in recent weeks and he said Saugus police have received very few complaints. He said there’s been a couple of cases involving youth from out-of-town.

“It’s not like we’ve been inundated with calls,” Chief Ricciardelli said.

“But, that’s not to say it’s not been going on. So, I would encourage people to call us when they see it,” he said.

Several town officials say they have witnessed the troublesome behavior firsthand

There’s even been some discussion of confiscating kids’ bicycles if they are caught in the act of harassing pedestrians and motorists.

Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini said earlier this month that he’s had recent talks with Chief Ricciardelli about the situation and steps that his department will be taking to address the problem.

Cicolini said he likes the idea of tow companies being called in to impound the bicycles rather than having bikes stored at the police station.