Six arrested after series of battery thefts from Voi scooters in Liverpool

Six people have been arrested after batteries from several Voi Scooters were stolen in Liverpool.

The arrests are part of a police operation that launched in August 2023 and is currently investigating a series of battery thefts from Voi Scooters across Liverpool City Region.

Yesterday evening (Monday 20 November) officers arrested six people in Knowsley after several stolen Voi Scooters were recovered and seized by police. 

A 34-year-old woman, a 15-year-old boy and four men aged 27, 22, 48 and 38 were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and theft.

They were taken to a police station in Merseyside where they remain in custody. 

A large quantity of batteries were also recovered and seized by officers.

Inspector Kieron Hogan said: “Thanks to our work with Voi and Liverpool City Council into numerous thefts of scooters and the re-sale of the batteries across Merseyside our officers have arrested six people on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods.

“To date there have been in excess of 700 reported thefts within Liverpool, with the estimated cost exceeding over £500,000.  This not only has an impact on the business but the wider economy and also has substantial reputational risk to the city region.

“Although several scooters have now been seized across the city and forensically examined our investigation into these crimes continue. 

“I hope these arrests reflects our determination to crack down on such crimes that seriously affect businesses in our community and our city. If you have any information that could assist our ongoing  investigation please contact us.”

Jack Samler, Regional General Manager for Voi UK, France and Ireland, said: “We’re very grateful to Merseyside Police for making these arrests and will continue to co-operate with the police investigation, and in due course the CPS, into the theft of our batteries.

Voi has used cutting-edge technology to track battery thefts and support Merseyside Police and the City Council in their evidence gathering.

“Battery theft impacts the service we can provide to the people of Liverpool as well as our business and we take a zero tolerance approach to it. We will be continuing to work with the Police over the coming months to monitor the situation.”

If you have any information about the use and supply of stolen parts of vehicles, please contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook. 
 
You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously