Lancashire Police Steps Up Efforts to Combat Nuisance Bikes and E-Scooters

Strategic Insights -

Lancashire Police has introduced a new fleet of six specialist motorcycles, including two BMW F800GSs and four Honda CRF300s, to support officers working on Operation Centurion, a county-wide initiative targeting anti-social behaviour, including the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and motorbike nuisance. The operation has already led to the seizure of 805 nuisance bikes since its launch in July 2023. Funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, the new bikes will enable specially trained officers to patrol areas previously difficult to access with standard vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new fleet of specialist motorcycles includes two BMW F800GSs and four Honda CRF300s, equipped with lights and sirens, to support Operation Centurion.
  • Operation Centurion has already led to the seizure of 805 nuisance bikes since its launch in July 2023.
  • The reckless and illegal use of e-bikes and similar vehicles has led to tragic consequences both locally and nationally, according to Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
  • Lancashire Police receive around 4,000 reports of motorcycle-related nuisance and illegal e-bike use each year, with the issue consistently ranking among the top concerns in Lancashire Talking community surveys.
  • The deployment of the new bikes coincides with a surge in enforcement and engagement activity as part of the national Safer Streets Summer campaign.
  • Inspector Steve Scott from Lancashire Constabulary's Specialist Operations Unit stated that "enforcement is required too if we are to keep pedestrians and other road users safe from illegal riding."
  • Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw has pushed for stronger laws and welcomes new powers in the Crime and Policing Bill to seize illegally used vehicles.

Statistics:

  • 805 nausea bikes have been seized since the launch of Operation Centurion in July 2023.
  • 4,000 reports of motorcycle-related nuisance and illegal e-bike use are received by Lancashire Police each year.
  • The new fleet of specialist motorcycles will enable patrols in areas previously difficult to access with standard vehicles.

Sources:

  • Lancashire Constabulary's Specialist Operations Unit
  • Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw
  • Lancashire Constabulary
  • Lancashire Talking
  • Crime and Policing Bill
  • www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk (detailed ASB page)
  • Crimestoppers (0800 555111)