Three men arrested after e-bikes ridden dangerously in Newton-le-Willows

We arrested three men after reports e-bikes were being ridden across fields, footpaths and roads at high speed in Newton-le-Willows on Sunday (5 October).

Just before 9pm, officers were informed that the National Police Air Service (NPAS) were assisting Cheshire Police who were dealing with reports of the bikes after the riders had been seen to have started a fire.

The bikes were seen to ride over both lanes of the East Lancs Road before attempting to hide in an alleyway near Park Road in Golborne.

Roads Policing Unit officers were joined on the ground by MVET and Targeted officers as well as the Dog Section, while NPAS continued to assist from the air.

A dog patrol was deployed with Police Dogs Kilo, Poppy and Quga all joining the search and three males were located and detained. Three electric bikes were also seized.

• A 20-year-old man from Warrington was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, being a driver of a motor vehicle alleged to have driven dangerously/carelessly providing a false name/address, and possession of a Class B controlled drug (cannabis). He has been released under investigation.
• A 20-year-old man from Golborne was arrested on suspicion of arson, dangerous driving, drug driving, failing to stop, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without third party insurance and possession of a Class B controlled drug (cannabis).
• A 20-year-old man from Golborne was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle.

Operation Gears, Merseyside Police’s response to the illegal use of two-wheeled vehicles including e-bikes, was launched in July.

The operation has seen proactive patrols, intelligence-led interventions, and community engagement across Merseyside to disrupt the unlawful use of two-wheeled vehicles, that can pose a danger to communities and are frequently used to facilitate crime.

Since it started, Op Gears has seen hundreds of illegal two-wheeled vehicles seized. These vehicles are increasingly linked to serious criminal activity, including violence, robberies, and serious organised crime (SOC) offences.

Superintendent Phil Mullally said: “The co-ordinated efforts of a number of teams at Merseyside Police, together with NPAS, secured three arrests and the seizure of three electric bikes.

“Operation Gears has enjoyed huge successes and has made our roads, pavements and communities safer as a result.

“Much of our activity is based on where the public tell us there are issues in their own communities.

“Our teams act on all information on the criminal use of such bikes, and – as demonstrates in this incident - we have a wealth of resources and tactics to track and locate them.

“Owners and users should make themselves aware of the laws around use of these bikes, as well as the ways you can keep your bike safe.”

If you see any illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, or electric motorcycles, please report it to us as soon as possible. Contact us via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/  or call 101, with reference 25000618357.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here:  https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.

More information can be found here:
Merseyside Police launches Operation Gears to tackle criminality involving illegal two-wheeled vehicles | Merseyside Police
Advice on e-scooter usage | Merseyside Police
Protect your bike from theft | Merseyside Police