Merseyside Police continue major crackdown on illegal bikes across the city region

Merseyside Police has continued robust enforcement activity as part of Operation Gears, targeting the criminal use of scrambler bikes, electric motorbikes and other off-road vehicles across the region.

In recent weeks, officers have carried out coordinated operations across the region, seizing multiple bikes believed to be linked to serious criminality.

During a day of action in Wirral on Monday 16 March, officers seized seven bikes, made multiple arrests and recovered a knife, cash and cannabis during proactive patrols involving Matrix officers, Roads Policing, air support and the Police Dog Unit.

The action forms part of ongoing force-wide efforts to tackle the antisocial and dangerous use of bikes on roads, pavements and open spaces, as well as to disrupt organised crime groups who rely on these vehicles to commit offences.

In February 2026, officers across the force seized a significant number of unregistered, uninsured and illegally ridden vehicles, bringing the total number of recoveries for this financial year (1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026) to 1,230.

These vehicles are not simply a nuisance – but are frequently used in serious criminality, including drug supply, robberies, weapons-enabled incidents and violent offences across Merseyside.

Detective Chief Inspector Amanda French explains the importance of these operations and urges the public to continue sharing intelligence:

“We know that these bikes are being used to commit serious crimes across our communities, and every single one we seize removes an important tool from the hands of organised criminals.

“We need the public’s help to keep up this momentum. If you know where these bikes are being stored, whether that’s in a shed, a yard, a lock-up or a communal area, please tell us. Your information directly helps us take these vehicles off the streets and continue our enforcement activity.”

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular across Merseyside, but their high value has also made them a growing target for thieves. Merseyside Police is urging all bike owners to take proactive steps to protect their property. 

DCI French added:

“Electric bikes and pedal cycles are increasingly being targeted by offenders. We’re asking the public to protect their bikes by registering them on BikeRegister, using a high‑quality lock and securing them whenever they’re not in use.

“We also strongly recommend fitting a GPS tracking device and sharing the tracking details with a trusted family member or friend. If the worst happens and your bike is stolen, this significantly increases our chances of locating it quickly and supporting our investigations.”

Operation Gears sees officers from Neighbourhood and Targeted teams, Roads Policing and Matrix working together to locate, track and seize vehicles being used illegally or dangerously. This includes proactive patrols, searches of identified storage locations, intelligence-led deployments and the use of specialist motorcycle officers and air support.

Anyone with information about the criminal use or storage of scrambler bikes, electric motorbikes or other off-road vehicles is urged to contact Merseyside Police via 101, the Merseyside Police website or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

How to keep you and your e-bike safe

E-bikes are valuable and are increasingly targeted by criminals. Here’s how to protect yours:

• Find and keep a record of the frame number. This usually stamped into the frame.  This is an important number should your e-bike be stolen.
• Use a high-quality lock and secure your bike when not in use.
• Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
• Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.
• Register your bike with a security marking scheme such as Bike Register and consider fitting a GPS tracking device.
• Attend a free bike marking event where officers will mark your bike for free. Visit your local policing Facebook page for upcoming event details.
• At night display lights to the front and rear so that other road users can see you.
• Wear light clothes or a florescent vest and it’s always advisable to wear a safety helmet.

For more tips on how to protect you bike from theft, click here.

Merseyside Police recently carried out phase two of Operation Vanguard, find out more here.

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