E-bike seized in Derker during early morning raid

Operation Vulcan has seized an e-bike during an early morning raid in Derker as police continue to fight the crimes blighting the community.

Officers executed a warrant at an address on Vulcan Street, where the e bike was recovered. 

The anti-social use of these vehicles has been deeply affecting residents in the area, impacting on quality of life and posing danger to those using the roads and open spaces.  

Police said they are aware of the criminals using these modes of transport to commit further illegal acts, such as, drug supply, robbery, burglary and theft. 

Greater Manchester Police is using innovative means and specialist resources to track offenders on e-bikes and seizing them before they can be used in crime. 

Officers said they are aware of the impact and frustration the anti-social use of e bikes is having on communities and the raid this morning was their commitment to tackling this offence and pursuing those involved. 

Police said tackling this issue was complex because – regardless of the circumstances – preventing harm and serious injury to everyone was always at the forefront of any decision to initiate a pursuit.   

They said that there was a misconception that officers will not pursue people riding e-bikes anti-socially, and communities often felt these issues were left unresolved.  

In the background, however, specialist officers - supported by tactical advisors - said they worked quickly to complete full risk assessments into the situation which was occurring at that time.  

If the circumstances allowed and it was proportionate, a pursuit would then be authorised to bring the bike to a safe stop. 

As a result of GMP’s focus to maximise the safety of communities, preventing issues caused by these bikes in the first instance has become an important priority.  

By using specialist resources such as the drone unit, Roads Policing Unit (RPU), the National Police Air Service (NPAS), and community intelligence, police are identifying where these bikes are being stored and seizing them before they can be used to commit crime and anti-social behaviour. 

Sergeant Joseph Dunne from Operation Vulcan said: “The results this morning should send a message to the criminals using these bikes, but also to people who are enabling them by storing and charging these bikes, which are often used to commit crime and intimidate residents. 

“We will continue to monitor this issue in Derker and take action when required, using resources from across the force to identify who is involved so that we can continue to seize the bikes which are being used criminally. 

“I would like to thank the community for their help so far, the information you share forms a crucial part of our work. 

“Do you know anyone in your community driving stolen or illegal e-bikes? By telling us who is handling these bikes we can take positive action and prevent further people falling victim to this type of criminality.” 

Information can be shared by speaking to officers in the community, by calling 101, or by using the online Live Chat function at Home | Greater Manchester Police.