Plymouth crackdown on illegal e-bikes delivers arrests and vehicle seizures
Devon & Cornwall Police have released the results of a two-day enforcement operation in Plymouth targeting illegally modified e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds and vehicle theft
Police have seized illegally modified e-bikes, recovered stolen vehicles and made several arrests during a two-day operation targeting anti-social riding and vehicle theft in Plymouth.
Devon & Cornwall Police carried out Operation Hyssop on 27 and 28 July, using roads policing officers, police motorcyclists, and marked and unmarked vehicles to tackle the illegal use of modified e-bikes, privately owned e-scooters, e-motorcycles and mopeds.
The operation resulted in seven illegally modified e-bikes being seized, including one capable of speeds of up to 80mph.
Officers also seized five mopeds linked to anti-social riding or being driven without insurance, along with two uninsured cars.
Police made five arrests for offences including driving while disqualified, theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, and drink or drug driving. Two stolen vehicles were recovered.
During the operation, officers dealt with 23 fail-to-stop incidents, leading to 12 police pursuits.
They also issued 13 traffic offence tickets for offences such as speeding and mobile phone use, handed out four Section 59 warnings for anti-social driving, and reported three riders to court at the roadside for offences including driving while disqualified and drug possession.
Chief Superintendent Alexandra Doughty said the force remained focused on tackling vehicle theft and dangerous riding.
"We remain very aware of the ongoing issue of moped and motorcycle thefts and associated dangerous riding, as well as the increasing levels of anti-social behaviour involving privately owned electric scooters, modified e-bikes and electric motorbikes."
She said the response from members of the public during the operation had been encouraging.
"There was clearly great interest in what officers were doing, with members of the public stopping to speak with officers, asking questions and providing information."
Operation Hyssop forms part of wider work by Devon & Cornwall Police to tackle vehicle crime and the illegal use of electric-powered vehicles.
In Plymouth, it complements Operation RideSafe, which combines enforcement, education, prevention and partnership working.
Chief Supt Doughty said neighbourhood policing teams across Devon and Cornwall were continuing to respond to concerns raised by local communities.
"If vehicles are being used illegally or dangerously, we will take action. Illegal vehicles can be seized, riders can face prosecution, and where appropriate those vehicles may be destroyed."