(Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)
More than 70 illegal bikes and e-scooters seized from Darlington streets have been crushed in a police crackdown on anti-social and criminal behaviour.
The bikes were seized by Durham Constabulary and destroyed in Shildon today (Tuesday, October 6), after residents complained about nuisance vehicles.
Police, Darlington Borough Council representatives and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy joined forces to tackle disruption and safety fears caused by the vehicles.
The illegal bikes being crushed (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)
New powers let officers seize vehicles being driven antisocially without giving a warning first.
Darlington Neighbourhood Inspector David Littlefair said: “Antisocial and reckless driving brings misery to our community.
We are doing everything we can to make our town as safe as possible and for those who are using bikes criminally and antisocially, we will hunt you down relentlessly and ensure those bikes are seized and you face the consequences.”
The force is also urging parents and carers to check the law before buying an e-bike or e-scooter this Christmas.
Legal e-bikes must have pedals, and their motors must stop assisting at 15.5mph.
E-bikes that fail those rules are treated as mopeds or motorbikes and must be registered, taxed and insured.
Privately owned e-scooters cannot be ridden on public roads or pavements. They may be used only on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Officers were joined at the crushing operation in Shildon today, by Darlington Borough Council representatives and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)
Durham Roads and Armed Policing Inspector Simon Hogg said: “We are committed to tackling the growing problem of illegal bikes and scooters being ridden antisocially across our communities.
These vehicles pose a serious risk to road safety, and we seize hundreds each year.
We also continue to work on educating the public, particularly parents and carers, about the law around these vehicles – they are not toys and if you do choose to buy one, you have to make sure you know the law and know how and where to use them safely.
Once Operation ORB launches, there will be no excuses.
Any bike or scooter being ridden illegally will be seized and crushed.”
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “I promised tough action on anti-social use of bikes, e-scooters and off-road vehicles, and I am pleased to see that commitment being delivered.
The message to offenders is clear: if you choose to blight communities with these vehicles, you could see them seized and gone for good.
This behaviour creates misery for residents and undermines community safety.
Taking offending vehicles off the streets is one of the most effective ways to stop the problem and improve quality of life for local people.”
The illegal bikes being crushed (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)
MP Lola McEvoy said: “Darlington is full of brilliant people. We work hard for what we have and are proud of our town.
"That's why we need to take action to crack down on the electric bikes and scooters.
"The antisocial behaviour, the intimidation and the road and park safety is a real problem and pedestrians have been killed.
"We also know they're being used by criminals to get away from the police. We can't have that.
"I’ve been working closely with the police, and acting on behalf of constituents who have reached out to me with the truly devastating stories of what these illegal bikes and scooters can do to our community.
"Today I saw 70 e-bikes and scooters seized from Darlington streets and crushed. They're being used by criminals.
"And they're illegal to ride unless you're on private land and that's because they're dangerous.”
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Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “We want Darlington to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone and tackling the anti-social and illegal use of bikes and e-scooters is an important part of that.
"Working closely with the police and our partners means action can be taken when these vehicles are causing concern in our communities.
"Residents have an important role to play too, and I would encourage people to continue reporting incidents and sharing information. Those reports help build a picture of where problems are happening and support the action being taken to keep our communities safe.”
Residents who wish to report a nuisance bike can call 101 or in an emergency, call 999.