Recent patrols in Wirral led to multiple arrests
Recent patrols in Wirral led to multiple arrests
12:15, 19 Mar 2026Updated 12:15, 19 Mar 2026
Thousands of bikes have been seized across Merseyside as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal vehicles. Merseyside Police’s Operation Gears is targeting the use of scrambler bikes, electric motorbikes and other off-road vehicles across the region.
In recent weeks, officers have carried out coordinated operations across the region, seizing multiple bikes believed to be linked to serious criminality. During a day of action in Wirral on Monday, March 16, officers took possession of seven bikes, made multiple arrests and recovered a knife, cash and cannabis during proactive patrols.
Police say these action forms part of ongoing force-wide efforts to tackle the anti-social and dangerous use of bikes on roads, pavements and open spaces, as well as disrupting organised crime groups who rely on these vehicles to commit offences.
In February 2026, officers across the force seized a significant number of unregistered, uninsured and illegally ridden vehicles across Merseyside, bringing the total number of recoveries for this financial year (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026) to 1,230.
The force argues these vehicles are not just a nuisance but are also frequently used in serious criminality, including drug supply, robberies, weapons-enabled incidents and violent offences across Merseyside.
Detective Chief Inspector Amanda French has urged people to continue sharing intelligence on illegal bikes. She said: “We know that these bikes are being used to commit serious crimes across our communities, and every single one we seize removes an important tool from the hands of organised criminals.
“We need the public’s help to keep up this momentum. If you know where these bikes are being stored, whether that’s in a shed, a yard, a lock-up or a communal area, please tell us. Your information directly helps us take these vehicles off the streets and continue our enforcement activity.”
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular across Merseyside, but their high value has also made them a growing target for thieves. Merseyside Police is urging all bike owners to take proactive steps to protect their property.
DCI French added: “Electric bikes and pedal cycles are increasingly being targeted by offenders. We’re asking the public to protect their bikes by registering them on BikeRegister, using a high‑quality lock and securing them whenever they’re not in use.
“We also strongly recommend fitting a GPS tracking device and sharing the tracking details with a trusted family member or friend. If the worst happens and your bike is stolen, this significantly increases our chances of locating it quickly and supporting our investigations.”
Police have urged anyone with information about the criminal use or storage of scrambler bikes, electric motorbikes or other off-road vehicles to contact Merseyside Police via 101, the Merseyside Police website: How to report illegal bikes | Merseyside Police or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police say you can protect your e-bike by:
- Finding and keeping a record of the frame number. This is usually stamped into the frame. This is an important number should your e-bike be stolen.
- Using a high-quality lock and secure your bike when not in use.
- Locking your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
- Taking the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.
- Registering your bike with a security marking scheme such as Bike Register and consider fitting a GPS tracking device.
- Attending a free bike marking event where officers will mark your bike for free. You can visit your local policing Facebook page for upcoming event details.
- At night, display lights to the front and rear so that other road users can see you.
- Wear light clothes or a florescent vest as well as a helmet.
