More than 70 seized bikes and illegal e-scooters have been destroyed following a police crushing operation in Shildon on Tuesday, October 6. The action was part of a wider crackdown by Durham Constabulary targeting anti-social and criminal use of these vehicles in Darlington.

Darlington Borough Council representatives and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy attended the crushing operation, demonstrating joint commitment to tackling the safety concerns caused by illegal bikes and scooters in the community.

New Powers for Police

Officers now have new powers to seize vehicles being driven anti-socially without first issuing a warning. The police operation, known as Operation ORB, will see any bike or scooter being ridden illegally seized and crushed.

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."

E-Bike and E-Scooter Laws

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 these 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.

Inspector Simon Hogg from Durham Roads and Armed Policing 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."

Council and Commissioner Response

Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: "We want Darlington to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone and tackling the anti-social and illegal use of bikes and e-scooters is an important part of that. Residents have an important role to play too, and I would encourage people to continue reporting incidents and sharing information."

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, they could be seized and gone for good."

Report Incidents

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