Thirty bikes seized as part of three-day ASB crackdown in Medway

Thirty bikes have been seized by officers as part of a three-day crackdown on nuisance vehicles in Medway.

Among those confiscated were 23 electric scooters, and a modified bike which had been adapted so it was capable of reaching 70mph.

The bike was seen being ridden in a residential area in Gillingham by a child, and following a short foot chase, an officer was able to stop the child and seize the bike.

During the operation, which took place between Friday 20 and Sunday 22 February, known hotspots were targeted, which included Chatham, Gillingham, Strood and Rochester.

Police from teams including the Community Support Unit and Neighbourhood Task Force, joined the proactive operation as part of Kent Police’s ongoing work to tackle and disrupt those intent on using the vehicles antisocially across the district.

Special Constables also supported the operation where they deployed a drone as part of assisting officers on the ground.

As well as seizing electric scooters, adapted electric bicycles and modified off-road bikes, officers also carried out a number of stop and search checks and arrested a woman who was outstanding on a warrant.

A man from Gillingham was also arrested on suspicion of common assault, false imprisonment and controlling and coercive behaviour. He has since been bailed.

Kent Police Chief Inspector Paul Diddams said: ‘Nuisance vehicles affect members of the community in a variety of ways, and we understand the detrimental impact this type of behaviour can have on people’s lives. ‘Every day officers work with local communities to gather information and deter those intent on using vehicles to cause antisocial behaviour. ‘As well as regular day-to-day patrolling, we often carry out proactive operations as a way to support our ongoing commitment to tackling this issue and we will continue to address concerns and ensure nuisance vehicles are seized and removed from the area.’