Dangerous electric bike riders targeted as police swoop across Bootle, Netherton and other areas

Police have stepped up action in #Bootle and #Netherton as part of a crackdown on the illegal and dangerous use of electric bikes, with multiple incidents leading to arrests and vehicles being seized.

At around 6.15pm on Wednesday 22 April, officers received reports of riders wearing balaclavas on electric bikes along Stanley Road in Bootle. The riders were seen performing wheelies in the road, causing concern for public safety. Officers followed one of the suspects to an address where the bike was seized and the rider reported for road traffic offences.

While dealing with this incident, an off road style motorcycle was spotted by the National Police Air Service helicopter in the nearby Marsh Lane area. The rider was seen driving dangerously, pulling wheelies, overtaking other vehicles recklessly and riding on pavements and off road. The motorcycle was later abandoned and the rider attempted to flee on foot, but was tracked by the helicopter and detained shortly afterwards.

A 19 year old man from Netherton was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue. The motorcycle involved has been seized.

Later that evening at around 7.25pm, another electrically assisted bike was sighted by the police helicopter and followed towards Warbreck Moor. A 16 year old rider was detained by police dog Ziggy and his handler. He was arrested on suspicion of driving without a licence and without insurance and was dealt with by way of a Single Justice Procedure Notice. His bike was also seized.

Earlier in the day, officers were also involved in an incident in #Formby at around 4.40pm, where a male riding an electrically assisted bike made off from patrols. He was pursued on foot and found hiding behind a parked car. He was detained, searched and the bike was seized under road traffic legislation.

The activity forms part of Operation Gears, Merseyside Police’s response to the illegal use of electric and electrically assisted bikes, which are often used by criminals to travel around the region transporting drugs and weapons.

Inspector Mark Berry from the Matrix Disruption Team said officers are committed to keeping roads safe and taking action against those who use vehicles illegally or dangerously. He added that police will continue to support and protect those who ride legally and responsibly.

Operation Gears will continue with further patrols, enforcement and engagement across Merseyside. Police say their work, including bike marking initiatives and targeted interventions, has already contributed to a reduction in related offences.

Anyone who witnesses illegal or dangerous use of electric bikes, scooters or motorcycles is encouraged to report it to police via 101 or through the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on social media. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Single Justice Procedure Notice is used for minor offences and allows a magistrate to deal with cases without a full court hearing, helping to speed up the process.