Politicians representing Bracknell Forest have raised concerns over e-scooter and e-bike crimes with Thames Valley’s Police and Crime Comissioner (PCC).
Bracknell has seen a rise in reports of usage of e-scooters and e-bikes, prompting a crackdown on their usage by Thames Valley Police.
While e-scooters are legal to own, they are illegal to use on publicly owned land.
The vehicles, which can reach speeds of up to 50mph, are often used for drug dealing.
Since then, Bracknell’s MP Peter Swallow and Bracknell Liberal Democrats have had further communication with PCC for Thames Valley Matthew Barber over the ongoing issue.
The Liberal Democrats have written a letter raising ‘urgent concerns’ about antisocial behaviour and disruptive activities caused by these vehicles.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Mike Forster wrote: “The primary isssues involve groups engaging in reckless and noisy activities, including high-speed motorcycle riding by so-called ‘boy racers’, the misuse of e-cycles and e-scooters and the operation of potentially modified cars.
“Together, these behaviours disrupt the peace, particularly during evening and late-night hours, leaving residents feeling unsafe and uable to enjoy their neighbourhoods.”
The letter, supported by Cllr Naz Zahuruddin, Cllr Christoph Eberle, Cllr Philip Thompson, and Cllr Tina Eberle suggests Public Space Protection Orders may be suitable.
Cllr Forster urged Mr Barber to consider these, as well as targeted police patrols in hotspot areas, collaboration with councils on traffic calming measures and youth outreach programmes to prevent anti-social behaviour.
Labour MP Mr Swallow also recently met with Mr Barber to push for action on tool thefts, off-road bikes and anti-social driving.
Labour Cllr Guy Gillbe said criminal e-bike usage was affecting his ward of Wildridings and Easthampstead, and that ‘police action has to be taken’.
Mr Barber, Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Chief Superintendent Steve Raffield told Bracknell Forest Councillors in April that the force is cracking down on the usage of e-vehicles.
More than 15 e-scooters have been seized while 20 e-scooter warnings have been issued recently, the police force said.
Increased patrols have taken place in areas where there are reports of illegal usage.
Meanwhile, two e-bikes and one moped have been seized within the Great Hollands and Jennett’s Park area.
The police are also using more powers to deal with the anti-social use of these vehicles.
Leaflets have further been provided to users to educate them about the law, while more engagement is being done with schools.
Bracknell South set up their first e-bike operation on March 21 with the help of plain-clothed officers and a drone.
