Police charge 50 people in crackdown on illegal e-bikes and scooters in Aberdeen

Police in Aberdeen have charged 50 people and seized dozens of illegal e-bikes and scooters during a three-week crackdown.

The force’s community action team identified 154 crimes between Monday, May 18 and Friday, June 5.

Eight search warrants were carried out at properties with five electric motorbikes, 19 e-bikes, 15 e-scooters, five petrol motorcycles, a van and a car seized.

50 people were charged in connection with crimes including dangerous driving, no licence, no insurance, driving on footpaths and not wearing a helmet.

During the operation, four people were also charged in connection with the supply of controlled drugs and eight with possession.

Cannabis, cocaine, diamorphine and a four-figure sum of cash were recovered as part of these enquiries.

Officers working on Operation Armour patrolled known crime hotspots, targeted offenders and gathered intelligence, following increased reports from the public about illegal vehicle use across the city.

Police say parks, playing fields, golf courses and the city centre were particularly targeted.

Chief inspector Vicky Stables said: “We know the illegal use of these vehicles is affecting our communities across the city of Aberdeen. They are dangerous to other road users, pedestrians and those who ride them.

“We will use every tool at our disposal to seize the vehicles, identify riders, and report them to the relevant authorities.

“To help us do this, we continue to ask for the public’s help. Please report incidents to police. If you know the identity of riders or where the vehicles are stored or fuelled, pass this information to us and allow officers to fully investigate.

“We continue to work with partners to seek longer-term sustainable solutions and ask for parents/carers’ support in ensuring that if you do purchase these vehicles, they are used in a law-abiding manner.”