Police seize e-bike modified to go 30mph during town centre patrol

Bobbies were out in Maidenhead town centre on Saturday and managed to catch out of few offenders and seize an illegal modified e-bike.

The neighbourhood team were looking to crack down on anti-social behaviour and crime in the town centre.

They discovered one man who was wanted on recall to prison and were able to arrest him.

In addition, several people were stop-searched by officers resulting in some drugs and related paraphernalia being seized.

One modified illegal e-bike – capable of speeds nearly 50kph (31mph) – was being ridden around. It seized for destruction.

The rider was also reported and will face a court appearance and a £300 fine. 

 PCSO Jason Miller of the Maidenhead team wrote in a Neighbourhood Alerts update:

“Not everyone agrees with police seizing illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. It's a hot topic.

“[But] these machines used by the wrong individuals have caused many serious accidents and deaths across the UK.

“It's one of the most complained about issues in the town centre, with lots of shoppers having near misses.

“This is why we have regular police operations and seize them.

He added a reminder that these bikes are also illegal to use on public roads.  

“Most shoppers and businesses were very happy to see us out in force this afternoon,” PCSO Miller continued.

“We will be having more operations like this going forwards.”

Police also arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of vehicle crime offences in central Maidenhead in recent days – both were charged with one offence and were bailed pending further enquiries.

Police have issued a reminder not to leave anything inside vehicles, including wallets, electrical items, bags, designer clothes, loose change, or phones – and to double check the car is locked before leaving it.

These offences ‘are on the increase across the whole of Maidenhead’ as the weather starts to turn, said PCSO Miller.