E-Bikes Used in Crime: Crimestoppers Launches Campaign to Tackle Organized Crime

Residents in Merseyside are being urged to come forward with information on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters by criminals who are distributing drugs, weapons, and committing violent crime. The independent charity Crimestoppers has launched a campaign to appeal for information on the increasing use of e-bikes and e-scooters by criminals in the region. According to the charity, e-bikes are being stolen and used in crime, with some riders using violence to steal them for their sell-on value. The e-bikes are often driven dangerously, putting the public and the riders themselves at risk.

Key Takeaways:

• Crimestoppers has launched a campaign to appeal for information on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters by criminals in Merseyside.
• E-bikes are being stolen and used in crime, with some riders using violence to steal them for their sell-on value.
• The e-bikes are often driven dangerously, putting the public and the riders themselves at risk.
• Three men were jailed for life for the murder of Rikki Berry, a 36-year-old man who was shot dead outside his girlfriend's house in Kirkby. The attack happened in broad daylight in a residential street where children were nearby.
• Berry was shot three times at close range by a balaclava-wearing gunman on an electric bike, in what the judge described as a "cold-blooded, premeditated execution".
• Carol Falla, a 64-year-old woman, was knocked unconscious by a speeding e-bike while celebrating her birthday in Liverpool city centre. She sustained multiple injuries, including severe bruising, potential cracked ribs, and a head injury.
• The charity is urging residents to come forward with information on the location of where the bikes are stored, names of those stealing e-bikes and/or selling them on, registration numbers of vans used to transport stolen bikes and scooters, and details of individuals using e-bikes/scooters to transport drugs and weapons.
• Over the last 12 months, Crimestoppers have received a record number of reports from the public in Merseyside, leading to arrests, seizures of weapons and drugs, and vulnerable people being safeguarded.

Statistics:

• Three men were jailed for life for the murder of Rikki Berry, with sentences ranging from a minimum of 30 to 31 years.
• Carol Falla spent over 18 hours in A&E undergoing scans and treatment for her injuries.
• Crimestoppers have received a record number of reports from the public in Merseyside over the last 12 months, leading to arrests, seizures of weapons and drugs, and vulnerable people being safeguarded.
• The charity is urging residents to report information on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters by criminals in Merseyside, with a freephone number and secure online form available.

Sources:

• "E-bikes being used by Merseyside crime gangs, says Crimestoppers." The Liverpool Echo.
• "Three men jailed for life for murder of Rikki Berry." The Liverpool Echo.
• "Woman, 64, seriously hurt after being knocked off bike in Liverpool city centre." The Liverpool Echo.