Illegal riders 'running out of road' police warn
Devon and CornwallIllegal and anti-social riders on two wheels have been warned they are "running out of road" by police.
Devon and Cornwall Police ran Operation Hyssop across four evenings, with officers targeting illegal and anti-social riders on two wheels, which led to 13 arrests and 30 e-bikes and motorcycles seized.
The force said on some occasions it was necessary to use "tactical contact" to stop people riding scooters, motor bikes and e-bikes in a way which puts other people at risk.
Head of roads policing Ch Insp Simon Jenkinson said the "rare" use of the approach was being used at "very low speed" and added: "We only really do that when we absolutely have to and when it's safe".
Devon and Cornwall PoliceHe added: "People shouldn't expect to see us doing it when they're travelling at 30, 40, 50mph because of the risks involved and these people don't wear protective equipment."
Jenkinson said the tactic "sounds quite alarming but is at very low speed or no speed and quite safe in proportionate circumstances".
He added it was used "in a rare number of cases" and was "a very carefully delivered tactic."
Police used local intelligence as well as drones to spot suspects, a mix of marked and unmarked vehicles to bring them to a "safe stop" and SmartWater spray to help identify people and potentially link them to crime scenes.
Jenkinson said the operation was directed at people "deliberately riding anti-socially" and supporting crime.
Devon and Cornwall PoliceHe said: "We've seen riders carrying kitchen knives, illegal drugs, illegal monies, people who are linked to really high level organised crime."
Feedback was "overwhelmingly supportive," he added.
He said the use of drones and SmartWater spray which sticks on clothing can help identify suspects and "have been really effective for us".
"We're looking at delivering the least damaging and the least dangerous option in all cases and only in rare cases at the top end have been tactical contact."
Devon and Cornwall PolicePolice said they had recovered three stolen and two cloned vehicles and were involved in 28 pursuits of suspects.
They recovered four weapons and seized more than £2,000 in cash, and more than 150 wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin.
The force said offences also included dangerous driving, vehicle theft, failing to stop for police, driving whilst disqualified, drink and drug driving, possession of offensive weapons and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Jenkinson said police were also working hard to educate people about the rules about e-bikes but said the misuse of vehicles for anti-social behaviour and crime "had reached a tipping point".
He warned: "We will use whatever means we need to bring those people to a halt."
He added: "We would far rather people adhere to the rules and regulations and ride and drive safely."
