Operation Crush: E-scooters used for crime destroyed by police

E-scooters and motorbikes used to commit crimes are being crushed as part of a police crackdown.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has released pictures of the vehicles being destroyed in the hope of deterring criminals.

Operation Crush also aims to tackle anti-social behaviour and to deter road-users from putting lives at risk.

Privately owned e-scooters are not legally permitted for use in public places.

In its first day of crushing the vehicles, the force destroyed 20 e-scooters and two motorcycles - all of which were seized in the past three months.

Insp Andy Tester said the force had noticed the vehicles becoming "really popular" with criminals such as those involved in drug gangs.

"While we will always try and engage with people first and educate them about the laws around these vehicles, unfortunately not everyone is willing to listen to us and refuse to heed our warnings," he said.

He said this meant the force had to "deploy tougher tactics for those persistent offenders" by finding a way to use existing laws to create a stronger deterrence.

Operation Crush means officers dealing with crimes involving what are known as powered two-wheel vehicles (P2WVs) - such as e-scooters and some off-road motorcycles - now have the power to serve a disposal notice that will see the vehicles being destroyed.

Insp Tester said: "We know that the crushing of these vehicles will disrupt criminal activity because they will need to spend more money to buy replacement vehicles.

"Some of the electric motorcycles used by criminals can cost several thousands of pounds, so this will have a significant impact on their operations."

He added that police "only have to be lucky once", where as criminals have to be "lucky every time to not be caught".

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