Illegal e-bikes seized and arrests made as part of Police Day of Action

Police in Cheltenham and Gloucester seized illegal e-bikes and arrested suspected drug dealers as part of a day of action on Wednesday (24 September).

Officers were joined on patrol by four members of the Special Constabulary in support of the Employee Supported Policing (ESP) Day of Action. It is part of the ongoing commitment to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour.

Three men were arrested in Gloucester during the afternoon.

Dean Sysum, of Matson Avenue, Matson, was subsequently charged with breaching a restraining order. He was due to appear before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday 25 September).

Officers also arrested a 24-year-old man from Gloucester on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, who was released on police bail, and a 41-year-old man from Gloucester on suspicion of possession of a Class B drug and failing to appear at court, who was released under investigation.

Enquiries continue following both the arrests.

A number of stop searches were carried out in Cheltenham and Gloucester, and cannabis was seized.

During the evening, officers were patrolling the city centre and were able to seize three illegal e-bikes and an illegal e-scooter.

Over in Cheltenham, officers seized three e-bikes, one of which could do 48mph and a second which could do 38kmph. They also seized six e-scooters.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Oliver Padfield said: “The use of e-bikes and e-scooters has become a growing problem.

“Many of the e-bikes and e-scooters that we’re seeing are not legal as they cannot be insured or registered for road use. Therefore anyone using one is committing insurance and driving licence offences.

“On top of this, a number of these have been involved in serious collisions, incidents and used in crime.

“Anyone breaking the law risks a £300 fixed penalty notice, six points on a driving licence, and your illegal electric bike or scooter being seized and destroyed.”

The day of action yesterday follows the national Safer Streets Summer initiative, which was running earlier this year. It focused on making town and city centres safer by tackling issues such as shoplifting, street crime and anti-social behaviour.