Twenty-three scramblers, e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized and three people arrested after a major two-day police crackdown in Lurgan and Craigavon targeting what officers call the “illegal and anti-social” use of two-wheeled vehicles.
The “Two Wheel Vehicle Operation” by Lurgan Local Policing Team ran on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 in response to what police describe as ongoing community concern.
Over the course of the operation, officers seized 23 vehicles. Two adults were arrested and two others cautioned for motoring offences. One young person was also arrested, while the remainder of those stopped were spoken to in the presence of parents or guardians and referred to the Youth Diversion Officer. Police say “educational justice outcomes” will be sought where appropriate.
A major drugs find followed the seizure of an electric motorcycle in the Kilwilkie area on Saturday evening. The 25-year-old rider was arrested on suspicion of a number of motoring offences and a search of his property uncovered more than half a kilogram of cannabis. He was further arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The second arrest came on Friday after a member of the public raised concerns about a driver in the Church Place area. A 58-year-old man was later charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath. He is due to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 26. As is standard, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
In a separate incident, a 17-year-old boy was stopped riding an e-bike on the wrong side of the road. He attempted to make off from police but was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and possession of a Class B controlled drug. It was later established the e-bike had been stolen. He has been released on bail as enquiries continue.
Local uniformed and plain-clothes officers were supported during the operation by the PSNI Air Support Unit – which deployed a drone – and the District Support Team.
Sergeant Adam Patterson said: “Twenty three nuisance vehicles are now off the road – and, as these uninsured vehicles are not road legal, they will be disposed of by police within 14 days of seizure unless the owner requests a review by the magistrates court, at the owner’s expense.”
He stressed that, under current legislation, e-scooters and e-bikes are classed as motor vehicles.
“This means the rider must have a driving licence and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and fitted with lights and a number plate,” he said.
“From a safety point of view, their inappropriate use in public spaces poses a risk to the safety of both rider and the public. People have already been seriously hurt as a result of their use.
“The number of vehicles seized demonstrates the scale of this problem. As we do all we can to detect offenders, we’d ask that our local community continues to report the illegal and dangerous driving of these vehicles so we can help to make our roads safer for everyone.”
Call police on 101 or report online at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals
You can also contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Information on the law around e-scooters can be found at https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/roads-and-driving/e-scooter-scrambler-and-quad-safety
