North Wales Police officers have carried out a focused operation targeting the anti-social use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and off-road motorcycles across communities in Wrexham.
The weekend initiative, led by the Wrexham Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, concentrated on the Gwersyllt and Ruabon districts following mounting concerns from residents.
Plain clothes spotters deployed
Plain clothes officers were positioned as spotters to identify those riding illegally, directing uniformed colleagues on patrol to stop them. The operation led to numerous vehicles being confiscated and taken off the streets.
A statement from the force reads: "This weekend officers from the neighbourhood policing team conducted an operation in the Gwersyllt and Ruabon areas to counter the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and off-road motorcycles."
"This operation involved both plain clothes officers acting as 'spotters' for the uniformed officers to stop anyone seen riding the above in an anti-social manner. A number of vehicles were seized and taken off the road."
Concerns over illegal use
The statement added: "The use of e-scooters, e-bikes and off-road motorcycles is one of the biggest concerns amongst local people, with both Gwersyllt and Ruabon seeing an increase in their use."
"Many people simply do not realise that privately owned e-scooters are illegal on UK roads (this includes the pavement)."
"We acknowledge that they are readily available for sale in stores but sadly this does not mean they can be used on the road. Put simply, e-scooters and powered bikes are only able to be used on private land."
"We will continue to respond to local residents concerns around the use of illegal scooters and bikes on the roads in Wrexham Rural."
