If you saw a helicopter hovering over parts of Nanaimo on Sunday and wondered about it, the mystery is now clear.
According to the Nanaimo RCMP, the helicopter was part of a major traffic enforcement effort that happened from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on September 14th.
Working alongside officers on the ground, the operation resulted in the impoundment of four dirt bikes and three vehicles for various offenses.
Police say the campaign started due to ongoing complaints from residents about unsafe driving in the city. Reports included issues like street racing, stunts, and riders using their dirt bikes on sidewalks.
“Over the past several months, numerous complaints were received from the public over the blatant disregard for the rules of the road by a small group of individuals,” said Nanaimo RCMP in a release.
“These people were not only putting themselves at risk but the motoring public also. The public let us know they were not happy, and we heard them loud and clear.”
The targeted effort brought together around 10 officers from different sections in Nanaimo.
This included General Duty, SITE, and Municipal Traffic, along with members of the Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU). The RCMP helicopter, called Air 8, provided aerial support throughout the day.
Throughout the day, enforcement teams concentrated on Jack Point, Extension, University Heights, and the Nanaimo Parkway. By the end of the campaign, officers had issued many tickets, including:
- No driver’s licence (3)
- No insurance (5)
- Use of an electronic device (1)
- Speeding (6)
- No seatbelt (1)
- Driving without consideration (1)
- Several other offences
The RCMP helicopter, Air 8, played a key role in the operation, according to R/Cst Gary O’Brien. The aerial unit provided real-time updates on vehicle locations, helping officers on the ground safely intercept offenders.
In one instance, Air 8 tracked an uninsured motorcycle after its teenage rider refused to stop for police and sped away. Officers decided not to chase because of the risk to the public.
Instead, the helicopter communicated the rider’s movements until he was found at a traffic light.The 16-year-old was taken into custody without incident, had his motorcycle impounded, and was released to his parents.
He also received several fines under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Police say the community received the operation positively. Officers reported that throughout the day, many passing motorists honked, gave thumbs up, and expressed words of encouragement.
