A high-powered e-bike, which was being ridden dangerously in Maghull and Kirkby, has been seized after Police Dog Ziggy tracked the rider through woodlands.
At around 11pm on Tuesday (4 August), officers on patrol in Maghull spotted an e-bike rider go through a red light on Deyes Lane.
The rider failed to stop for police and attempted to escape by speeding, travelling onto pavements and eventually fleeing into Charlotte’s Pagsy wooded area in Kirkby.
Despite losing trace of the rider, Police Dog Ziggy was deployed and was able to pick up on the track marks. PD Ziggy not only sniffed out the suspect, but also the e-bike, which had been hidden behind a wall.
Chief Inspector Rob Budden said: “Officers on patrol in Maghull spotted this male riding in an extremely reckless manner, not only putting his own safety at risk but also other road users and pedestrians.
“Thanks to the actions of these officers, they were able to follow the rider into Kirkby when he attempted to flee into a woodland area.
“Police Dog Ziggy then took over and not only located the suspect but also the e-bike, which has now been seized.
“I hope this incident shows how there is no hiding place for people who think it’s acceptable to ride e-bikes in this manner.
“We know from speaking to law-abiding members of our community that they have concerns over this type of behaviour. People are fed up with being intimidated by males riding e-bikes or scrambler bikes in a dangerous and anti-social manner and we are determined to remove these people from our streets.
“If you have any information about this issue in your area, please contact us and we will take action.”
Operation Gears is Merseyside Police’s ongoing commitment to tackling dangerous, illegal and anti-social vehicle use across the region, making communities safer for residents, businesses and road users.
Operation Gears will continue with further proactive patrols, enforcement activity and engagement across Merseyside. The force has undertaken a range of bike marking initiatives, targeted enforcement, and proactive interventions, which has contributed to a reduction in related offences across the city. For more information, visit: Operation Gears | Merseyside Police