You are reading

Police Raid Two Bike Shops in Ridgewood, Confiscate 14 Motorbikes Being Sold Without VIN Numbers

Two bike shops in Ridgewood have been busted for illegally selling motorcycles without identification numbers (Photo: 104th Police Precinct via Twitter @NYPD104Pct)

Sept. 19, 2022 By Michael Dorgan

Two bike shops in Ridgewood have been busted for illegally selling motorcycles without identification numbers.

Officers from the 104th Police Precinct on Wednesday raided two stores — H.C. E-Bike Corp, located at 17-02 Gates Ave., and Fly Wing, located at 55-48 Myrtle Ave. — and confiscated more than a dozen motorbikes and scooters.

Police said the bikes were being sold without vehicle identification numbers (VIN), which is illegal. A VIN provides important information about a particular vehicle such as identifying whether the vehicle has been stolen or has been in an accident.

In total, 14 bikes or mopeds were confiscated from the two businesses – 7 from each store. The operators of the stores were hit with a $1,000 fine for each vehicle confiscated.

Police raided the premises after a tip-off from Queens Council Member Robert Holden.

Holden said he had urged police to investigate the premises after his office received complaints that the businesses were selling the vehicles without VINs.

“I applaud Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman and the men and women of the 104th Precinct for taking action against the sale of these illegal vehicles,” Holden said in a statement to the Queens Post.

Holden also underlined the problems associated with bikes not having VINs.

“Without VIN numbers and registration, the purchasers could commit reckless driving and other crimes with impunity,” Holden said.

“These problems plague our city and make our streets more dangerous. We need more of this enforcement across the city.”

Coleman said that illegal motorcycles are a major public safety concern and the police are looking to clamp down on the issue.

“In addition to street enforcement, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to combat illegal vehicles on our roadways, such as with this operation,” Coleman said.

The Deputy Inspector advised would-be buyers to always look for the VIN number before purchasing a vehicle.

He also said buyers should immediately register their vehicle after completing the purchase.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Unwind after hours at these cozy Queens cafes

Jul. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello

Forget the bars and crowded clubs — Queens is brimming with charming cafes that keep their doors open well past sunset, offering a perfect alternative for those who want to meet up for a late-night hangout without the alcohol. From authentic Yemeni coffee houses to bakeries with outdoor garden patios, check out these Queens cafes for your next late-night catch-up with friends, or for a cozy date night plan.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.

A slice of legacy: Carlo’s Pizzeria keeps Sicilian tradition alive in Middle Village

Jul. 18, 2025 By Christy Hinko

On Metropolitan Avenue, between 74th and 75th streets in Middle Village, Carlo’s Pizzeria isn’t just a place to grab a slice — it’s a place where history is folded into every piece of dough, sauce and cheese. The beloved neighborhood pizzeria has been serving Queens for nearly 60 years, now led by third-generation owner Anthony Caruana, who proudly carries forward the dream his grandfather brought from Sicily.