Weekend crackdown sees arrests, vehicle seizures and drugs recovered

People using bikes and other two-wheeled vehicles to commit crime were targeted during a weekend Operation Gears crackdown which resulted in 11 arrests, multiple vehicle seizures and the recovery of Class A and Class B drugs.

The proactive operation took place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, with officers carrying out targeted enforcement activity in and around Newsham Park and Everton Park.

The activity also formed part of Operation Park Safe, a partnership initiative focused on keeping parks and open spaces safe, accessible and free from crime and antisocial behaviour.

Led by the Liverpool North Proactive Team, alongside Neighbourhood officers, Liverpool City Council and City Watch, the operation targeted areas affected by the illegal and antisocial use of two-wheeled vehicles. Officers carried out proactive patrols and enforcement activity to identify offenders, seize vehicles and disrupt criminality.

During the two-day operation, officers:

• Conducted 18 stop searches
• Made 11 arrests
• Seized 11 vehicles, including off-road scrambler bikes, illegally modified Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) and motorcycles

The arrests were for offences including suspicion of driving without insurance, disqualified driving, theft, burglary and possession of controlled drugs.

Drugs recovered during the operation included both Class A and Class B substances, including crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

Many of the vehicles seized were being ridden illegally on roads, parks and other public spaces without the required licence, insurance or legal modifications, causing concern for local residents.

Legal e-bikes must comply with Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations, and riders must be aged 14 and over. E-bikes that do not meet these requirements are classed as an electric moped or electric motorcycle and must comply with relevant laws, including registration, insurance, helmet use and appropriate licensing.

It is currently not possible to obtain insurance for privately owned e-scooters. As a result, it is illegal to use them on roads or in public spaces such as parks, pavements and shopping centres.

Liverpool Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Andy Fielding said: "This latest weekend of enforcement around Newsham Park and Everton Park demonstrates our commitment to targeting those responsible and taking action where intelligence and community concerns identify problem locations and offenders.

"The results speak for themselves, with 11 arrests, drugs recovered and 11 vehicles seized. Through proactive patrols and targeted activity, we are disrupting criminality, removing vehicles being used unlawfully and making our communities safer.

"Those who choose to ride vehicles illegally or use them to commit crime should be under no illusion that we will continue to relentlessly pursue them. Operation Gears is not a one-off operation. It is an ongoing commitment to tackling criminality, dangerous riding and antisocial behaviour, and responding to the concerns of the communities we serve.”

Since the launch of Operation Gears, officers have continued to take action against the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, motorcycles and scrambler bikes linked to criminality, dangerous riding and antisocial behaviour across Liverpool.

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 at 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also report information via our website or by calling 101, quoting Operation Gears. For more information, visit: How to report illegal bikes | Merseyside Police

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.