Police have made arrests and seized motorbikes as part of an operation targeting illegal dirt bike riders in Rotorua.

In a statement today, police said they had launched Operation Themis and an investigative team had recently arrested two 17-year-olds and seized two motorbikes.

The youths had been charged with multiple driving offences, including operating a motor vehicle recklessly, failing to stop for police, and unlawful assembly provoking others to disturb the peace.

On Wednesday evening, Tauranga police identified a group of alleged stolen vehicles and followed them toward Rotorua, where they were successfully spiked by Rotorua police on State Highway 36.

A 17-year-old man was arrested. He was also a target of Operation Themis.

Police said he had been charged with 20 alleged offences relating to ram raid burglaries across the Bay of Plenty, theft of motor vehicles in Rotorua, and numerous driving offences relating to dirt bike riding activities.

Rotorua Police area prevention manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said the arrests should provide reassurance to the community and businesses.

“We are sending a clear message that we won’t tolerate this kind of offending.”

More arrests and bike seizures were expected.