Arrests and bike seizures during major Wirral Police crackdown

Police have made a number of arrests and seized bikes and drugs during a major crackdown on the illegal use of e bikes, e scooters and off road motorcycles across Wirral.

The day of action, carried out as part of Operation Gears, took place on Monday 18 May and saw officers from Merseyside Police target antisocial behaviour and criminal activity linked to illegal bikes.

Teams from Wirral neighbourhood policing, Matrix disruption, the dog unit and roads policing carried out patrols across the borough, focusing on vehicles being used illegally or in connection with crime.

In one incident near Central Park in Wallasey, an illegally adapted electric bike was spotted by the National Police Air Service before officers stopped the rider near Wallasey Bridge Road.

A 28 year old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and other road traffic offences, while the bike was seized.

During further patrols around Central Park, officers detained a man after spotting suspicious behaviour. Following a search, suspected Class A drugs were found and a 33 year old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Later in the day, another rider was stopped in the same area and officers discovered suspected heroin. A 65 year old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug.

Police also seized another illegally adapted electric bike in Wallasey, with a 13 year old boy taken home and reported for driving without insurance or a licence.

Alongside enforcement activity, officers from the mounted section were also out in local parks speaking with residents and engaging with the community.

Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “Operation Gears is focused on tackling the criminal use of bikes that continues to cause harm in our communities.

“We know these vehicles are often linked to antisocial behaviour, drug supply and wider organised criminality, allowing offenders to move quickly and evade police.

“Days like this send a clear message that we will continue to take robust action, seize vehicles and pursue those using them to commit crime.”

Police are reminding people that legal e bikes must meet Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle regulations and riders must be aged 14 or over. If a bike does not meet those standards, it is classed as a motor vehicle and must be insured, registered and ridden with the correct licence.

Anyone with information about the illegal use of e bikes, e scooters or electric motorcycles can contact Merseyside Police via social media, online or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Gears.

Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers.

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