Police operation cracks down on illegal e-bikes in York and Selby
Operation Tornado targeted illegal e-bike use and other crimes in York and Selby
A North Yorkshire Police operation has led to 25 arrests, the seizure of illegal e-bikes, weapons, and suspected drugs, all in one day.
Operation Tornado, an initiative targeting illegal e-bike use and other offences in York and Selby, has also seen more than 200 children educated at school by officers.
A major focus was on the use of illegal Sur-Ron e-bikes, which officers say intimidate road users and cause a disturbance.
Chief Constable Tim Forber from North Yorkshire Police said: “We receive a lot of calls from residents who are fed up with anti-social bike use. We hear you. It’s not acceptable, and we’re doing something about it-binning them.
“I’m also aware that some people don’t fully understand the legislation, which is why alongside our enforcement work we’ve been speaking to hundreds of school children today to explain the law around these bikes.”
An unmarked roads policing unit stopped a Sur-Ron bike in York, resulting in the arrest of a 17-year-old for multiple offences, including aggravated burglary and drug driving.
Officers also executed warrants in Tang Hall and Acomb targeting drug-related crime.
The operation extended to rural areas, where patrols were set up in Selby to address rural road offences.
Chief Inspector Ryan Chapman from North Yorkshire Police said: “Once again, we were pleased to welcome Operation Tornado back to York and Selby. These days of action allow us to bolster our everyday policing with additional resources and specialist teams which help us achieve results for our communities.”