Police in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have taken a bold stand against the illegal use of e-scooters and other electric vehicles by crushing over 100 of them in a bid to tackle their misuse. The crackdown forms part of Operation Crush, an initiative aimed at curbing what authorities have deemed a “blight” on local communities.
Concerns over the escalating involvement of these vehicles in serious criminal activities prompted the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to take decisive action. Sergeant Jamie Dobson, from the roads policing unit, emphasized the importance of destroying these vehicles post-seizure to prevent perpetrators from repeatedly engaging in unlawful activities.
Among the seized vehicles were e-bikes that had been modified to reach dangerously high speeds, some of which were observed traversing major roadways including the A27 and the M3. Instances of collisions involving these vehicles, with riders under the influence of intoxicants and in possession of weapons and drugs, further underscored the pressing need for intervention.
Last year, Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones ratified a contract granting officers the authority to destroy any e-scooter or e-motorcycle implicated in criminal acts. The scale of the operation was significant, with a total of 105 vehicles confiscated, representing a marked increase from the 41 seized in the preceding year.
The breakdown of the seizures reveals that the majority comprised of illegally-modified e-bicycles, with a notable presence of e-motorbikes, e-scooters, and off-road petrol motorcycles. This data, released by Hampshire police, sheds light on the multifaceted challenges posed by the misuse of electric vehicles within the region.
Sergeant Dobson lauded the deterrent effect of the enforcement measures, characterizing it as a potent tool in combating the surge in criminal and anti-social activities associated with these vehicles. He pinpointed e-motorbikes and off-road scrambler bikes as particular targets due to their propensity for endangering public safety and facilitating serious criminal endeavors.
Highlighting the financial repercussions for offenders, Sgt. Dobson remarked that the individuals behind these vehicles faced substantial losses upon their confiscation and destruction. Commissioner Jones echoed these sentiments, condemning the reckless behavior exhibited by some e-scooter riders and underscoring the grave consequences of their actions.
Instances of collisions resulting from the misuse of privately owned e-scooters were cited as a cause for alarm, with injuries ranging from significant to life-changing reported as a consequence of such incidents. Concerns over the safety implications of these vehicles on both roads and pavements have prompted a concerted effort to address the issue and protect the welfare of the public.
The initiative to dismantle illegally used electric vehicles represents a proactive step towards ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order within the community. By targeting vehicles that pose a threat to road users and pedestrians alike, the authorities aim to curtail the adverse impacts of their misuse on society as a whole.
As the region grapples
