Police crackdown on stolen motor scooters and anti-social riding

Devon & Cornwall Police is continuing its work to tackle the anti-social, reckless and dangerous use of illegally modified e-bikes, privately owned e-scooters and e-motorcycles across the force area, with a recent operation in Plymouth delivering significant results.

Officers from the Roads Policing Team carried out Operation Hyssop over two evenings in the city (27 and 28 July 2026), an  enforcement operation targeting theft and anti-social behaviour linked to modified e-bikes, other illegally used electric-powered vehicles and mopeds, and theft of scooters and motorbikes. A combination of marked and unmarked vehicles alongside police motorcyclists was used for the patrols.

The operation resulted in:

Chief Superintendent Alexandra Doughty for Devon & Cornwall Police said: "We remain very aware of the ongoing issue of moped and motorcycle thefts and associated dangerous riding, as well as the increasing levels of anti-social behaviour involving privately owned electric scooters, modified e-bikes and electric motorbikes.

"The community response over the two evenings of Operation Hyssop was extremely encouraging. There was clearly great interest in what officers were doing, with members of the public stopping to speak with officers, asking questions and providing information.”

This operation, which tackled bike and moped theft as well as antisocial riding, sits alongside Operation RideSafe in Plymouth, which combines enforcement, education, prevention and partnership working to tackle concerns around illegal and irresponsible use of electric-powered vehicles.

Chief Superintendent Doughty said: “Our officers from the Child Centred Policing Team and Neighbourhood Support Team are working tirelessly to address these concerns within our communities. Their efforts have led to a number of positive outcomes, including arrests, convictions and out-of-court disposals linked to vehicle theft and associated offending.”

"We are listening to the concerns of residents and taking positive action. If vehicles are being used illegally or dangerously, we will take action. Illegal vehicles can be seized, riders can face prosecution, and where appropriate those vehicles may be destroyed."

"Moped and motorcycle theft is often opportunistic, and these vehicles are then often ridden recklessly or dangerously. We encourage owners to take simple but effective steps to protect their vehicles by following the principles of 'Lock, Cover and Chain'. These measures can make a significant difference in preventing theft. For our part, keep reporting any information you have to us as this is often crucial in helping us identify offenders and bring them to justice.”

Devon & Cornwall Police is encouraging anyone considering purchasing an e-scooter, e-bike or e-motorcycle to familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation before using them. Government guidance is clear.

The rules on e-scooters: Riding an electric scooter: the rules - GOV.UK

The rules on e-bikes: Riding an electric bike: the rules - GOV.UK

Neighbourhood teams across Devon and Cornwall have also been responding to local concerns about anti-social, illegal and dangerous riding, with operations carried out in Torquay, Paignton, Falmouth, Camborne, St Austell, Exeter and other locations in the last few months.

Devon & Cornwall Police is also urging communities to continue reporting concerns.

Chief Superintendent Doughty said: "Information from the public plays a vital role in helping us target our resources effectively. If you are experiencing issues in your area, please report them to us. Every report helps build a clearer picture and supports enforcement activity."

Concerned residents can report anti-social behaviour online via the Devon & Cornwall Police website at Report antisocial behaviour | Devon & Cornwall Police

Photos: showing seized motorcycles and modified e-bikes during Op Hyssop in Plymouth.