ALBANY — Do you know where the dirtbikes hide in the city?

If so, the city wants to know and is willing to pony up cash to find out.

The Common Council is considering whether to create a bounty system that would pay tipsters to let police know where illegal dirtbikes and ATVs were in the city.

The problem is a growing one across the country, not just in Albany, said Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

“We know our residents are growing frustrated and impatient,” she said. “We’re working with law enforcement and the Common Council to identify and implement a solution that will help end this public safety and quality of life issue.”

Dirtbikes and ATVs have grown in popularity in cities across the country; often drive-by social media videos showing large gatherings of riders taking over roads and performing stunts. Riding on city streets is illegal and officers are often discouraged from pursuing them because of the public safety hazard it could create.

Instead, Albany has been using unmarked vehicles to follow the riders.

Even when officers do stop the bikes, the riders are typically only issued traffic tickets or have their vehicles impounded.

That where the new program could change things if it was written to allow police to confiscate the bikes, Sheehan said.

Councilman Richard Conti plans to introduce a resolution authorizing the program at the council’s Monday, July 15, meeting. The problem is citywide, he said.

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“What the resolution does is provide authorization for the chief to establish a program and guidelines,” he said. “I see it not as the ultimate solution but as a tool to use.”

The city has Capital Region Crime Stoppers, an anonymous tip line, and similar tip program for drug crimes.

Cities are authorized to create reward programs under state law. The cash reward can range from up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor conviction to $25,000 for a felony conviction, under state law.

Police Chief Eric Hawkins would determine the actual reward amount as part of creating the new program. The program may also pay tipsters if the bikes are confiscated, rather than depend on the riders being convicted of a crime.

Hawkins said the tip program is just one of several steps the department is taking to get the riders off the streets. It formed a task force with other local urban departments to compare notes and intelligence on where the riders typically ride. The department also plans to use its soon-to-be launched drone program to help track the bikes.

“We’re doing a lot behind the scenes to address this issue,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins said the hazard and quality-of-life issue created by the riders justified the investment the department was making in pushing back against them.

“It really is a public safety hazard,” he said.