Crimestoppers Launches Campaign to Tackle E-Bikes and E-Scooters in Criminal Activity

Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to address the growing issue of e-bikes and e-scooters being used in criminal activity across Merseyside. The charity is focusing its efforts on tackling the theft and rise in the use of e-bikes and scooters in drug distribution, theft, and violent crime. Gary Murray, North West regional manager at Crimestoppers, emphasizes the need for public support to stop these vehicles from being used to transport drugs, guns, and knives, and to prevent the theft of these expensive bikes. The charity hopes the campaign will encourage more people to share information that could help identify offenders and disrupt criminal networks.

Key Takeaways:

• Crimestoppers is launching a new campaign to tackle the rise in criminal use of e-bikes and e-scooters in Merseyside, focusing on drug distribution, theft, and violent crime.
• The charity is asking the public to report locations where bikes are stored, details of individuals involved in thefts or sales, and registration numbers of vehicles transporting stolen bikes.
• E-bikes are being used dangerously and are used to snatch mobile phones and handbags from pedestrians, with the speed and maneuverability making them attractive to offenders in urban areas.
• The charity has already seen a record number of reports from the public in Merseyside over the past year, leading to arrests, seizures of weapons and drugs, and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.
• Crimestoppers emphasizes the importance of public support in tackling the issue, with a freephone number (0800 555 111) and a secure online form available for reporting information.
• The charity ensures complete anonymity for those reporting information, with no personal details required.

Statistics:

• Crimestoppers has seen a record number of reports from the public in Merseyside over the past year, leading to arrests, seizures of weapons and drugs, and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.
• E-bikes are being used to commit further offences, including drug distribution, theft, and violent crime, with the charity hoping the campaign will disrupt criminal networks.

Sources:

• Crimestoppers, "We need your help to stop e-bikes and e-scooters being used by criminals," 2023
• The Star, "E-bike thefts soar as thieves target expensive bikes" [No date]
• Gary Murray, Crimestoppers North West regional manager, 2023
• Crimestoppers, "E-bikes and e-scooters being used by criminals: How you can help stop them" [No date]
• UK Government, "Electric Scooters," [No date]