Operation Gears: arrests and bikes seized across Merseyside

Operation Gears: arrests and bikes seized across Merseyside

Merseyside Police has made arrests and seized bikes, drugs and a weapon as part of Operation Gears, as part of a commitment to targeting the anti-social and criminal use of bikes across Merseyside.

An incident in Huyton on Tuesday 12 May was part of the Police activity. Proactive work in Huyton led to a scrambler bike being sighted, reportedly being ridden dangerously in and around Radway Road. Patrols attended and arrested two males on suspicious of theft of a motor vehicle, and they were taken into custody and the bike seized.

Superintendent Paul Holden, Merseyside Police lead for Operation Gears, said: "These results are typical of the proactive police work we carry out on a daily basis, emphasising our absolute determination to track down those who use such vehicles to spread misery and fear across our communities.

"We're alive to the links between such vehicles and anti-social behaviour, drug supply and organised crime. Key to dismantling such operations is the information we received, and we're delighted to work so closely with City Watch, local businesses and residents, who share our desire to rid the streets of such menace. Keep telling us where issues are being caused and we will keep taking positive action.

"Our officers are committed to keeping our roads safe and taking action against those who use illegal or dangerous vehicles. At the same time, we want to keep our roads safe for those who ride legally and responsibly, and we will continue to support and protect them through our enforcement activity."

Operation Gears will continue with further proactive patrols, enforcement activity and engagement across Merseyside. The force has undertaken a range of bike marking initiatives, targeted enforcement, and proactive interventions, which has contributed to a reduction in related offences across the city. For more information, visit the Operation Gears website.

If you see any illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, or electric motorcycles, please report it to us as soon as possible. Contact Police via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also report information via: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101, quoting Op Gears.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.