Several bikes and illegal e-scooters seized in Darlington after being linked to anti-social and criminal behaviour have been destroyed as part of a special police operation aimed at making communities safer.

Officers were joined at the crushing operation in Shildon on Tuesday, October 6, by Darlington Borough Council representatives and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy, demonstrating the joint commitment to tackling the nuisance, disruption and safety concerns caused by these vehicles.

The latest action saw more than 70 seized bikes destroyed following concerns from residents about nuisance vehicles in their communities. New powers also allow officers to seize vehicles being driven anti-socially without first issuing a warning.

As part of the wider operation, Durham Constabulary is urging parents and carers to check the law before buying an e-bike or e-scooter this Christmas. Legal e-bikes must have pedals and the motor must stop assisting at 15.5mph; those that do not meet the rules are treated as mopeds or motorbikes and must be registered, taxed and insured. Privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads or pavements and may only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Darlington Neighbourhood Inspector, David Littlefair said: “Antisocial and reckless driving brings misery to our community. We are doing everything we can to make our town as safe as possible and for those who are using bikes criminally and antisocially, we will hunt you down relentlessly and ensure those bikes are seized and you face the consequences.”

Durham Roads and Armed Policing, Inspector Simon Hogg, said: “We are committed to tackling the growing problem of illegal bikes and scooters being ridden antisocially across our communities. These vehicles pose a serious risk to road safety, and we seize hundreds each year.

“We also continue to work on educating the public, particularly parents and carers, about the law around these vehicles – they are not toys and if you do choose to buy one, you have to make sure you know the law and know how and where to use them safely.

“Once Operation ORB launches, there will be no excuses. Any bike or scooter being ridden illegally will be seized and crushed.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen said: “I promised tough action on anti-social use of bikes, e-scooters and off-road vehicles, and I am pleased to see that commitment being delivered.

“The message to offenders is clear: if you choose to blight communities with these vehicles, you could see them seized and gone for good.

“This behaviour creates misery for residents and undermines community safety. Taking offending vehicles off the streets is one of the most effective ways to stop the problem and improve quality of life for local people.”

Residents who wish to report a nuisance bike can call 101 or in an emergency, call 999.