More than 70 seized bikes and illegal e-scooters have been destroyed in a police operation aimed at tackling anti-social and criminal behaviour in County Durham. The vehicles were seized in Darlington after being linked to nuisance and safety concerns.
On Tuesday, October 6, officers were joined at the crushing operation in Shildon by Darlington Borough Council representatives and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy, demonstrating the joint commitment to addressing the issue. The latest action follows concerns from residents about nuisance vehicles in their communities.
New powers and Christmas warning
New powers now allow officers to seize vehicles being driven anti-socially without first issuing a warning. As part of the wider operation, Durham Constabulary is urging parents and carers to check the law before buying an e-bike or e-scooter this Christmas.
Legal e-bikes must have pedals and the motor must stop assisting at 15.5mph; those that do not meet the rules are treated as mopeds or motorbikes and must be registered, taxed and insured. Privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads or pavements and may only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Police and officials respond
Darlington Neighbourhood Inspector David Littlefair said: "Antisocial and reckless driving brings misery to our community. We are doing everything we can to make our town as safe as possible and for those who are using bikes criminally and antisocially, we will hunt you down relentlessly and ensure those bikes are seized and you face the consequences."
Durham Roads and Armed Policing Inspector Simon Hogg said: "We are committed to tackling the growing problem of illegal bikes and scooters being ridden antisocially across our communities. These vehicles pose a serious risk to road safety, and we seize hundreds each year." He added that Operation ORB will mean "any bike or scooter being ridden illegally will be seized and crushed."
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: "I promised tough action on anti-social use of bikes, e-scooters and off-road vehicles, and I am pleased to see that commitment being delivered." She said the message to offenders is clear: "if you choose to blight communities with these vehicles, you could see them seized and gone for good."
Darlington MP Lola McEvoy said: "Today I saw 70 e-bikes and scooters seized off Darlington streets, crushed. They're being used by criminals. And they're illegal to ride unless you're on private land and that's because they're dangerous." Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, encouraged residents to continue reporting incidents, adding that reports help build a picture of where problems are happening.
Residents who wish to report a nuisance bike can call 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.
