Two arrested, three e-bikes seized and suspected drugs recovered in Sunderland
Two males were arrested, three e-bikes seized and a drugs haul recovered after eagle-eyed officers trusted their instincts in Sunderland.
Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, July 19, officers were on patrol in the Borough Road area when they saw a man riding an electric bike.
Officers spoke with him – and quickly ascertained the e-bike was believed to have been stolen, and was not permitted to be driven in a public place.
He was also found to be in possession of a stash of drugs, believed to be crack cocaine and heroin, as well drug paraphernalia, two knives, and two mobile phones.
The man, aged 41, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of class A drugs – and the e-bike was seized.
Officers subsequently carried out a search of two properties in the area as part of their enquiries, and discovered quantities of cannabis inside the first address.
Following this, they found further drugs and two more suspected stolen e-bikes in a second address nearby.
A 17-year-old male who was present at one of the properties was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
Both males have since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.
Following the activity, Detective Sergeant Kimberley Carr, of Northumbria Police, said: "Thanks to officers taking a proactive approach when they saw something not quite right in the community, we were able to arrest two suspects and recover three e-bikes believed to be linked to criminality.
“Not only that, but we have also seized a number of suspected stolen and dangerous items which will be important as we progress the investigations.
“We are aware of recent complaints around vehicle disorder in the area and want to reassure the public that we will continue to take a proactive approach in tackling this issue alongside our partners.
“We understand the detrimental effect that motorcycle-related disorder can have on the communities we serve. It is not a victimless crime – and the actions of a minority who tear around on these bikes can make residents feel intimidated and frightened.
“This type of disorder can, in some cases, also be linked to wider, more organised criminality in the community.”
Officers have asked residents and businesses to continue working with them to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime – and check if their valuables and properties have been left secure.
Det Sgt Carr added: “Please continue to work with us by taking extra time to check vehicles are secure, property doors and windows are locked, and that any valuables are kept out of sight.
“As ever, we would like to remind everyone that privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes are illegal to ride in any public place – whether that’s a road, pavement or any other public land.
“E-scooters and e-bikes are classified as personal light electric vehicles, so as such are treated as motor vehicles and are subject to the same legal requirements such driving license, insurance, tax and MOT.
“People found to be driving an e-scooter or e-bike on public land could face having the vehicle seized and possible prosecution.”
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your community, or have any information about local crime, you can report it using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.