A specialized unit of highly trained police officers on high-speed e-motorbikes has been dispatched to London in order to combat criminal cyclist gangs known for stealing mobile phones, reports The Telegraph. The Metropolitan Police has acquired five powerful electric motorcycles with the capability to reach 50mph in just 3.6 seconds. These electric bikes, manufactured in China under the brand Surron, were purchased by the force recently due to a notable increase in mobile phone thefts. Phone snatching has become a significant problem in the capital, occurring at alarming rates, with a phone stolen approximately every six minutes by thieves utilizing e-bikes, many of which are illegal for road use. These criminals also use traditional bicycles and scooters to carry out their illicit activities.
E-bikes and e-motorcycles have become popular among criminals as they operate silently, allowing them to approach victims stealthily, and can easily evade capture by maneuvering through pavements and routes inaccessible to police cars. According to a police source, the deployment of Surron bikes presents an opportunity to outsmart criminals by leveraging the same technology they use. The selected officers authorized to utilize these new vehicles have undergone advanced driving training and are fully equipped for tactical pursuit and containment, including the use of “tactical contact” to apprehend fleeing suspects.
Numerous videos circulating on social media depict criminals on bikes, e-bikes, and scooters targeting unsuspecting pedestrians. Stolen phones are often handed over to organized crime groups, who extract personal data, including sensitive information like banking details and passwords, for identity theft and fraudulent activities, before selling the devices. Stolen phones have been tracked to secondhand stores within the UK and even as far as China, Hong Kong, and Algeria.
The threat posed by e-bike thieves came to light last year with the release of CCTV footage showing Sonny Stringer, 28, speeding through the capital on a phone-snatching spree at speeds reaching 50mph. In one hour, Stringer managed to steal 24 phones in March. City of London Police described him as racing on his Surron e-bike and narrowly avoiding collisions with pedestrians. Stringer was eventually apprehended by officers, sustaining injuries, and was later sentenced to two years in prison.
Phone theft is a prevalent issue in London, with approximately 91,000 devices stolen each year, translating to one stolen device every six minutes. The highest incidence of phone thefts occurs between 6pm and 1 am, with a significant portion of these incidents taking place in Westminster. Nationwide, a total of £48 million worth of phones have been stolen.
The Surron e-motorbikes, categorized as off-road “dirt bikes,” bear names such as the “White Ghost,” “Storm Bee,” and “Ultra Bee.” A spokesperson for the Met Police emphasized the seriousness of robbery and theft, stating that these crimes are intrusive and unacceptable in the city. The police force actively utilizes data and intelligence to deploy officers to key
When individuals report that they have fallen victim to robbery or theft, it heightens the likelihood of apprehending the culprits. “In addition to ensuring the safety of Londoners, we are harnessing the power of technology and data to enhance our intelligence-gathering capabilities and track stolen mobile phones. This information enables us to build a comprehensive understanding of common locations where stolen phones may be stashed, facilitating the recovery of these devices.”
The UK Surron website elaborates on the capabilities of electric vehicles, emphasizing their versatility with sports settings that activate an “aggression mode.” Furthermore, a “turbo mode” empowers riders to “unleash the beast,” providing an extra surge of power to outpace competitors. Many 125cc electric engines can cover over six miles on a single charge lasting just four hours.
Surron e-bikes, renowned for their lightweight design and aerodynamic features that optimize speed, are priced between £2,500 and £5,000. These bikes have gained popularity in the UK, partly due to marketing campaigns lauding their “rapid acceleration” and adaptability to various terrains. Qiulong, the manufacturer behind Surron e-bikes, was established in 2014 in China and has invested “tens of millions” of pounds into crafting high-performance, lightweight electric motorcycles.
Riding an electric motorbike on UK roads is permissible if the rider possesses a valid driving license, insurance, a registered number plate, helmet, and pays the necessary taxes.
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