By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

For the second straight year, Providence officials used a front-end loader to destroy dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles seized from operators said to have been riding illegally on city streets.

About 27 of the recreational vehicles were crushed as city officials looked on.

“We did the same thing last year, and there was a noticeable change after we destroyed the bikes last year,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza.

“So, it’s helpful to get the message out there that if you are indeed using them on the streets, you’re going to lose them and we are going to destroy them.”

Ward 6 City Councilman Michael Correia said dirt bikes and ATVs are among the nuisances that generate the most complaints.

“Every community meeting that I attend, or that I hold, the number one issue that we always hear is either speeding or, what are we doing about the ATVs and dirt bikes”, said Correia.

“We’ve dealt with some serious injuries and fatalities on these bikes,” said Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements.

“We’ve seen young men in the community injured severely, fatally. Fatally. So this, as well as being an enforcement is an education to these young men.”

The city destroyed the vehicles, because they were worthless, said Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare.

“The word is out. Don’t come to the city with your ATV, with an illegal vehicle because it will get confiscated and it will get destroyed,” Pare said.