A major police crackdown on stolen motorbikes and anti-social riding has seen 14 vehicles seized, two stolen vehicles recovered and five arrests.
Police motorcyclists joined officers in marked and unmarked vehicles for two evenings of targeted patrols across Plymouth on 27 and 28 July.
Operation Hyssop was launched in response to concerns over motorcycle and scooter thefts and the reckless use of modified e-bikes, privately owned e-scooters, electric motorcycles and mopeds.
The scale of the problem became clear during the operation, as officers recorded 23 incidents in which riders or drivers failed to stop, leading to 12 pursuits as police worked to bring them to a safe stop.
Among the vehicles seized were seven illegally modified e-bikes, including one which officers discovered was capable of reaching speeds of up to 80mph.
Five mopeds were seized for anti-social riding or having no insurance, while two uninsured cars were seized.
Five arrests were made for suspected offences including vehicle theft, failing to stop, driving while disqualified and drink or drug driving. Some of those arrested were also wanted by the courts.
Officers recovered two stolen vehicles during the operation and issued 13 traffic tickets for offences including speeding and using a mobile phone while driving.
Four Section 59 warnings were handed out for anti-social driving involving careless or inconsiderate behaviour and excessive noise.
A Section 59 warning can be issued when someone drives in an anti-social manner and means their vehicle can be seized if they are caught doing it again within the following 12 months.
Three riders were also reported to court at the roadside for suspected offences including driving while disqualified and possessing drugs.
Chief Superintendent Alexandra Doughty for Devon and Cornwall Police said police remained acutely aware of the fear and disruption caused by motorcycle thefts and dangerous riding. She said:
"We remain very aware of the ongoing issue of moped and motorcycle thefts and associated dangerous riding, as well as the increasing levels of anti-social behaviour involving privately owned electric scooters, modified e-bikes and electric motorbikes.
“We are listening to the concerns of residents and taking positive action. If vehicles are being used illegally or dangerously, we will take action.
“Illegal vehicles can be seized, riders can face prosecution and, where appropriate, those vehicles may be destroyed.”
Chief Superintendent Doughty said the public response during the two evenings of Operation Hyssop had been “extremely encouraging”, with residents stopping to speak to officers, ask questions and provide information.
She added: “Moped and motorcycle theft is often opportunistic, and these vehicles are then often ridden recklessly or dangerously.
“We encourage owners to take simple but effective steps to protect their vehicles by following the principles of Lock, Cover and Chain.
“Keep reporting any information you have to us as this is often crucial in helping us identify offenders and bring them to justice.”
Neighbourhood policing teams have also carried out operations targeting illegal and dangerous riding at other locations across Devon and Cornwall.
Anyone considering buying an e-scooter, e-bike or electric motorcycle is being urged to familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation before using it.
You can find the rules for riding e-scooters here and the rules for electric bikes here.
Residents can report anti-social or dangerous riding through the Devon and Cornwall Police website or by calling 101.
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