PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Plymouth Harbor restaurant owner Rusty Lomboldi is fed up.
“He uses foul language in front of small children and customers,” Lomboldi said.
He says groups of kids on bikes are impacting his business.
“They basically weren't following any of the rules and were just riding their bikes all over the place, doing wheelies, crashing into cars and causing chaos,” he said.
People in Plymouth say young people are causing chaos.
“I've seen them on the highways, wheels flying out, blocking traffic and causing accidents,” said Susan Reno of Plymouth.
A waitress who works on the waterfront said she was recently nearly hit by a bicyclist while driving.
“I'm here, they're here, and they just move forward. It feels like an accident could happen at any moment,” said Aubrey Davis, who works in Plymouth.
Plymouth Police Chief Dana Flynn told Boston 25 the suspects are a gang of middle school students.
“We had a group of kids on their bikes on the downtown waterfront riding down the middle of the road, yelling at pedestrians and just being a nuisance,” Flynn said.
[ ‘Enough is enough’: Police say ‘Middle School bicycle gangs’ wreaking havoc in downtown Plymouth ]
Flynn said officers have spoken to children and parents, but so far the cellphone pranks have continued, so police are stepping up their crackdown.
“It's unfortunate. We're going to start issuing tickets. Parents will get a ticket. The fine is $20,” Flynn said.
A $20 fine will be assessed to parents, and if that doesn't work, police will confiscate the bike. Residents here say they're happy about that.
“It's a good idea. I think it's great. If you can't control your kids, you should rely on the parents,” Reno said.
This is an ongoing story, so check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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