Isle of Wight e-scooters crushed by police in new crackdown

Officers now have the power to start crushing e-scooters and off-road electronic motorcycles used to commit crimes as part of the aptly named Operation Crush.

The launch of this new crackdown will target those illegally using two-wheeled vehicles to commit further crimes, those persistently involved in anti-social behaviour, and those putting themselves or other road users at risk of injury.

See video below courtesy of Hampshire and IW Constabulary

This is all part of Hampshire and IW Constabulary’s commitment to ‘relentlessly pursue criminals,’ using all possible tactics available to disrupt their operations and help make communities safer. 

A spokesperson said: “Despite not being legally allowed to use in public places, we have seen a steady increase in the popularity of what are known as privately-owned, powered, two-wheel vehicles, such as e-scooters and off-road electric motorcycles.

“Unfortunately, this has resulted in our officers seeing more and more of them used by those involved in crime and being used dangerously, potentially putting lives at risk.

“So, officers have taken action to enhance their powers and have used existing legislation that gives them the option to destroy any e-scooter or e-motorcycle that is being used in crime.”

Crushed e-scooters and e-motorcycles (Image: Hampshire and IW Constabulary)

Inspector Andy Tester said police have noticed electronic two-wheeled vehicles becoming popular with those committing crimes, saying tougher tactics were needed to tackle persistent offenders. 

Police will now have the option to consider, and where proportionate, could issue a disposal order and the vehicle being crushed.

Inspector Tester said he believes this policy change will help clamp down on those committing numerous offences with the vehicles and act as a significant deterrent.