have seized seven e-bikes and motorbikes in a bid to tackle those riding illegally modified bikes as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping town centres safe under our Safe4Summer campaign.
Neighbourhood officers have been working alongside our Roads Policing Unit and Immigration Compliance and Enforcement to show a high-visibility police presence, identify those that are riding e-bikes in an anti-social manner and those using illegally modified e-bikes.
The operation also works to tackle individuals who abuse the gig economy – a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.
During the day, five illegal e-bikes and two motorbikes were seized for destruction, five Traffic Offence Reports were issued for no licence and no insurance offences, and one person – a man in his 30s – was arrested on suspicion of violating the conditions of his visa.
Over 50 vehicles were checked to ensure they had the correct licensing alongside subsequent immigration status enquiries which were all found to be compliant.
Inspector Jason Holmwood of Stockport neighbourhood team said: “Hundreds of people use our town centres daily, and they should be free to walk around safely, without having to worry about modified and often dangerous e-bikes being ridden around the streets.
“This operation shows our commitment to our communities to address concerns that have been raised around the misuse of illegal e-bikes and anti-social behaviour which impacts on everyone’s daily lives. During the day itself teams were based at different locations across the town centre and beyond. The seizure of five e-bikes and two motorcycles shows that we will not tolerate those who use these bikes in an unsafe manner, putting our communities at risk.
“This operation is not a one-off initiative in Stockport town centre – our officers will continue to take a proactive approach to tackling concerns from the community and ensure those riding in an anti-social manner are stopped.”
